James Andrew "Jim" Massey

James Andrew “Jim” Massey, of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away on February 21, 2026. Jim was born on September 13, 1937, in Batesville, Arkansas, to the late Gilbert and Clara Massey. He graduated from Batesville High School, where he excelled in athletics, playing baseball, basketball, and football. He continued his basketball career at Ouachita Baptist University, where he met the love of his life, Katherine “Ann” Reynolds. The two were married during their college years at the ages of 20 and 19, beginning a lifelong partnership of 67 years. After graduating from Ouachita, Jim began his coaching career in Hazen. He then coached in Truman before moving to Corning. Jim coached for six years at Corning Junior High School, winning two state championships along the way. In 1969, Jim and Ann settled to Searcy, where Jim served as head basketball coach at Searcy Junior High and later at Searcy High School. In addition to coaching basketball, he coached the golf and tennis teams and taught math, health, driver’s education, and eventually served as assistant principal and transportation director before retiring. He also managed the city of Searcy summer baseball leagues for many years and served on the State Athletic Commission under Former Governor Mike Beebe, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and athletes. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Wanda Lee, who passed away at the age of seven. He is survived by his beloved wife Ann; his daughter, Cindy White and her husband, Bob, of Searcy; his son, James Andrew “Andy” Massey Jr. and his wife, Anne Marie, of Dallas, Texas; and his daughter, Katherine Oliver and her husband, Mark, of Hot Springs Village. Jim was especially proud of his grandchildren: Elizabeth White and her husband, Zach, of Benton; James Andrew “Trey” Massey III and Noah Jakob Massey of Dallas; and his two great-grandchildren, Anniston and Jack Andrew White of Benton, all of whom knew and loved him as “Pops”. Jim was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Searcy for 56 years, where he served as a deacon, youth Sunday School teacher, and later as the Director of Ushers and Greeters. Each Sunday morning, he could be found at the front doors, greeting everyone who came in. It was one of his favorite things to do and he took his job very seriously. Golf was one of his greatest passions, and he especially cherished the times he played alongside Ann, Andy, Kate, Bob and countless friends including his “Black Tee” buddies. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of sitting in his sunroom, watching the squirrels, birds, and golfers pass by. Jim had a lifelong love for sports that was evident in every stage of his life. He was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, faithfully watching games on television and looking forward each year to attending a game at Busch Stadium with his family. He was a loyal supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks and Ouachita Tigers. He closely followed his teams, always keeping up with stats and scores. Every weekday morning, Jim could be found drinking coffee with his buddies at McDonald’s, followed by a stop at Centennial Bank, where he was a familiar and friendly face. He was just as well-known at Everett Buick GMC in Benton, where he took great pride in his long-standing relationship, enjoyed the process of car shopping, and was known for “getting a great deal. Over the years, he was proud to have referred over 40 customers—a testament to both his loyalty and his enthusiasm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Ouachita Babtist University Men’s Basketball Program; online at OBU.edu\give, or by check to 410 Ouachita St. OBU Box 3754, Arkadelphia, AR 71998. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 12:30pm, at Searcy First Baptist Church. Visitation will precede the service, from 10:00am – 12:00pm. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

James Andrew "Jim" Massey

September 13, 1937 - February 21, 2026