James "Jim" Edward Sisco, age 87, of Bellefonte, Arkansas, passed away at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville on Monday, April 27, 2026, surrounded by his family. 

The son of Marion Edward Sisco and Martha (Norvell) Sisco was born November 21, 1938, in Hasty, Arkansas. He grew up in Newton County and attended Western Grove School, where he graduated in 1957. After high school, he enlisted and served his country in the US Army. He married the love of his life, Barbara Waggoner, 67 years ago, and together, they raised 4 children.

He lived in Newton and Boone counties most of his life, and spent 6 years living and working in Taylorville, Illinois. While in Illinois, he worked at Trinity Motors where he was the head mechanic. When he moved back to Arkansas, he continued his mechanic work for the City of Harrison.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, deer hunting, 4-Wheeler rides, and mushroom hunting. He had also raised beagles for coon hunting in his younger years. He was a passionate Arkansas Razorback fan and enjoyed watching games. He was funny and a gifted storyteller. He loved to share tales and stories from his youth, many involving his best dog, or favorite horse, “Prince”.

He was known by several names, including James, Jim, “Big Jim”, and Papa. Papa was his favorite name and the name that made him beam with pride. Jim adored his grandkids and great grandkids, and he loved to spend time with them. He was the rock of his family, and he was loved deeply by his wife, children and grandchildren. His love was like the lyrics of “Daddy’s Hands” – soft, kind, and hard as steel, but there was always love in daddy’s hands.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Martha Sisco; his seven siblings, Alice, Bill, Audrey, Edna, Newell “NC”, Reva, and Judy; grandson, John Hilburn III; great grandson, Adam James Sisco; and his father and mother-in-law, Bob and Lacy Waggoner.

James is survived by his wife, Barbara Sisco of the home; his children, Teresa Brewer and husband Steve of Everton, Donna Hilburn of Oklahoma, James Sisco and wife Jamie of Indiana, and Michael Sisco and wife Peggy of Harrison; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and his beloved Shih Tzu, Toby, who was always by his side. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many dear friends who loved him and will miss him.

A memorial visitation will be Friday, May 1, 2026, at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison from 6 PM to 8 PM.

A family conducted graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Bellefonte Cemetery with Pastor Derwin Martin officiating.

Due to Barbara's oxygen use, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to help with final expenses can be made in Barbara's name (Barbara F. Sisco) locally at Bank OZK and Arvest Bank on on-line at https://gofund.me/c430667ad.