James Robert Farris, 33, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17th, 2025, in the company of his wife and mother. He was born April 4th, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio, to Jim and Linda Farris. James grew up in Jonesboro before moving to Arizona during his junior year of high school. He signed with the University of Arizona, where he pitched for the Wildcats before being drafted by the Chicago Cubs. After a successful career in Minor League Baseball, James returned home to Jonesboro to reconnect with his community and establish a life of his own. He married Madeline Farris in 2022 after meeting in 2020 while working together at Shadrachs. Together, they welcomed a son, Gatlin Farris. After Shadrach, he pursued a profession in HVAC with plans to start his own company. Outside of work, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, hanging out with friends and family, music, and being outside. James is survived by his wife, Madeline Farris; son, Gatlin Farris; grandmother, Patrica Billing; Father, Jim Farris; mother, Linda Farris; Sister, Jordan Farris; nephew, Jadon Farris; along with numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, and loving friends. He is preceded in death by maternal grandfather, Lawrence Billing; paternal grandfather, Robert Farris; and paternal grandmother, Madeline “Jeanne” Farris. The surviving family would like to thank the phenomenal friends who have gone above and beyond to support the Farris family, all those who have donated, as well as the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice house and St. Bernard’s caretakers. Visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home on Thursday, August 21st, from 4 pm to 6 pm, to be immediately followed by a funeral service officiated by Craig Miller. Burial will be private with active Pallbearers being Neal Shannon, Paul Pilgrim, Zachariah Goza, Taylor Copeland, Dustin Hillis, and TJ Long. Honorary pallbearers will be Jaime Garrido, Tyler Wilson, and Zach Gulley. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to Bridge of Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 821, Pocahontas, AR 72455. Online guestbook: www.emersonfuneralhome.com