Mr. James Monroe McFadden

February 4, 1934 - December 1, 2021

MCFADDEN, Mr. James Monroe of Hope, Arkansas, formerly of Flint, Michigan Born in Hope, Arkansas on February, 4, 1934, James Monroe McFadden was born to the parentage of Jesse and Vora Lee Roach McFadden. He was the second of five sons born to this union. Monroe was a proud graduate of the The Yerger High School, Class of 1953. Following graduation, he moved to Flint, Michigan. One month following graduation, he began his lifelong career at General Motors. He was a member of the Factory Management Council. He retired as a Supervisor of Buick Motor Division in July 1986, without ever missing a day. In August 1953, he returned to Hope, where he wed his high school sweetheart, Gloria J. Hicks. The young couple returned to Flint, where they both began their careers and family. Four children were born to this beautiful union, Debra Venita, Keith Denning, James Jr. and Marc Payton. While in Michigan, he joined Dozier Memorial C.M.E. Church. At Dozier, he served in various capacities, including President of the Steward Board and member of the Senior Choir. In his spare time, Monroe loved to go fishing. He purchased a boat, he affectionately named the Gloria Jean, where many family memories were shared. He also joined a fishing club, where the group took annual fishing trips to Canada. Following retirement, they returned home to Hope, Arkansas. He joined the family business at Hicks Funeral Home, Inc., where he began his unexpected hobby as a gravedigger. While the work could be exhausting and challenging, he looked forward to meeting new people and passing the time with old friends. He also joined Lonoke Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. J. Harris, later Rev. Alvin Hunter. Preceding him in death are his parents, Jesse and Vora Lee McFadden; three brothers, Sylvester McFadden, Rev. Aaron McFadden and Dr. Gene McFadden. Left to cherish his memories and continue his legacy are his wife of 68 years, Gloria Hicks McFadden; one daughter, Debra (William) Crews of Troy, Michigan; three sons, Keith "Denny" of Davidson, Michigan, James Jr. " Monty" of Hope, Arkansas and Marc Payton of Little Rock, Arkansas; one brother, Lahroy McFadden "Jimmy" of Maryland; 8 grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, including two he raised from birth, Mason and Madison Nelson, who assisted as caregivers to their great-grandfather; five sisters-in-law, Debra Bryant-McFadden, Carol McFadden, Dale Keno McFadden, Shirley Hicks Davis and Callie Hicks Marshall; and a host of very special relatives and friends. Visitation will be 10am-7pm Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 12pm Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Lonoke Missionary Baptist Church, 702 South Hazel Street, Hope, Arkansas 71801. Interment will follow at Scott's Memorial Gardens in Perrytown, Arkansas. Arrangements entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home, Inc., 407 South Hazel Street, Hope, Arkansas 71801.