James William Pierce Jr., lovingly known as Jimmy, passed peacefully in his sleep in the presence of his loving wife on Sunday, October 11, 2026. He was born on January 16, 1972, at North Little Rock Hospital in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Although his family lived in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, at the time, Jimmy would come to consider Pea Ridge, Arkansas, his true hometown. It was there that he met his high school sweetheart, soulmate, and best friend, Dawn Loraine Rowe.

Jimmy graduated from Pea Ridge High School with the Class of 1991. He and Dawn were married on July 18, 1992, in Batavia, Arkansas. Later that year, they settled in Gravette, Arkansas, where they built a life together over the next 34 years.

Together, Jim and Dawn raised two sons, Terence and Trevor, and unofficially adopted Tori Lampp and Zachary Campbell. His family was an important part of his life, and the love he had for them was evident in the time he spent with them and the memories they created together.

Jimmy was an avid sports fan, and football was his favorite sport. But more than any game he could watch on television, his favorite sport was whichever one his children or grandchildren were playing. There was nothing quite like watching his kids or his baby girls play, cheering them on, and being there to support them.

Jimmy was truly a character with a huge heart who loved to laugh and, even more, loved making others laugh. Of all the people he loved to make laugh, his favorites were his baby girls, Sadie Mae and Paisley Jane. The love he had for those girls was something truly special. Being a Poopaw and “Uncle Jimmy” to his grandkids, nieces, nephews, and unofficial grandkids was the greatest thing he ever got to be.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing with his brothers, four-wheeling, and camping. These were some of the simple pleasures that made life special to Jimmy and gave him opportunities to make memories with the people he loved. In his later years Jimmy’s idea of a perfect day was sitting on the couch all day watching sports with Dawn, with a nice, long visit from his baby girls. It didn’t take much to make Jimmy happy when he was surrounded by the people he loved most.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Franklin Delano Pierce, of Gravette, Arkansas, and his brother, Christopher L. Pierce, of Pineville, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn Loraine (Rowe) Pierce, of Gravette, Arkansas; his mother, Penelope Louise Hayes (husband Jon), of Gravette, Arkansas; his brother, Adam Pierce (wife Shuree), of Gravette, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Jamie Sanchez, of Pineville, Missouri; his sons, Terence James Pierce, of Springdale, Arkansas, and Trevor Allen Pierce (wife Megan), of Gravette, Arkansas; his beloved granddaughters, Sadie Mae Pierce and Paisley Jane Pierce; as well as many others he considered adopted family, family, and friends.

Jimmy will be remembered for his humor, his love for his family, and the joy he brought to those around him. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and Poopaw whose greatest happiness came from spending time with the people he loved. His memory will live on in the laughter he shared, the memories he made, and the love he leaves behind.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bella Vista Funeral Home, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72715.