Jimmy Carol Dennis of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 10,
2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted husband, father,
grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend whose quiet strength and kind spirit left a
lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Born to Carol and Mildred Dennis of Norphlet, Arkansas, Jimmy spent his life building a
reputation as a man of integrity, humility, and unwavering character. Though he was a
quiet man, his gentle confidence, kindness, and genuine love for people made him
unforgettable. Everyone who knew Jimmy loved him, and it seemed everyone wanted to
be his friend.
Jimmy dedicated many years of service to Lion Oil, where he built a career defined by
hard work, dependability, and dedication before retiring. He believed in providing for his
family, treating people with respect, and living a life of honesty and integrity.
A gifted athlete with a fiercely competitive spirit, Jimmy loved every opportunity to
compete, whether on the ballfield or on the water. His love of sports continued long after
his own playing days ended as he devoted many years to coaching youth baseball.
Through his encouragement and steady example, he helped shape not only good
ballplayers but also good young men and women. His impact reached far beyond the
baseball field and continues today through the lives of those he coached.
When he wasn't at the ballpark, there was a good chance he was on the water. Jimmy
was an avid fisherman whose passion for the sport became legendary among family
and friends. He was the person everyone called to ask where the fish were biting and
what they were biting on. Over the years, he earned numerous fishing tournament
awards and prizes, but what he treasured most were the friendships made, the stories
shared, and the time spent at their camp in Felsenthal with those he loved.
Above all, Jimmy loved his family. He and his beloved wife, Joann, celebrated 61 years
of marriage—a testament to a lifetime of unwavering love, faithfulness, and
commitment. In retirement, some of his most treasured days were spent making
memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cheering them on, sharing
stories, and simply enjoying being together. He was never happier than when he was
surrounded by those he loved.
Whether you knew Jimmy for a lifetime or only a few minutes, you were likely to
remember his warm smile, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness. Even in his final days,
the physicians, nurses, and caregivers
often remarked on his sweet nature and the joy his smile brought to those around them.
And if you knew Jimmy well, you also knew there was always room for one more chili
dog.
Jimmy will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the way he lived it—with
humility, quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His
family finds comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace. His legacy lives on in the
friendships he built and in the family who loved him so dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carol and Mildred Dennis, and his sister,
Cindy Dennis.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joann Dennis; his son and daughter-in-law, Shayne
and Amanda Dennis of Austin, MN; his daughter-in-law, Tammy Dennis of El Dorado,
Arkansas; his grandchildren, Ashley Vartanian and her husband, Avo; Chance Dennis;
Preston Dennis; Brooke Dennis; and Hattie Dennis; his great-grandchildren, Kinzie
Vartanian and Kash Vartanian; along with extended family members and many dear
friends.
A graveside service celebrating Jimmy's life will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026,
at 10:00 am at Parker's Chapel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Circle of
Life Hospice - Bentonville, AR in honor of Jimmy's life and memory.
The Dennis family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, chaplains,
and staff of Circle of Life Hospice for the extraordinary compassion, dignity, and peace
they brought to Jimmy and to those who loved him during his final days. Their kindness
will never be forgotten.
An online registry can be signed at
www.perrysfuneralchapels.com
