Obituary – Radio voice of the Panthers, Jim Landers dies at age 89

Jim H. Landers

May 10, 1935 — August 6, 2024

Jim H. Landers, passed away on August 6, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that touched many lives. Born on May 10, 1935, in Benton, Arkansas, Jim’s journey was marked by his incredible passion for various ventures and unwavering dedication to everything he pursued.

A true entrepreneur heart, Jim delved into a multitude of fields throughout his life. From sports broadcasting to coaching, owning restaurants like Ham Bones and Jimbos, selling satellite dishes in the 90s, and venturing into life insurance, car lots, and gas stations – Jim excelled in each endeavor he undertook. His versatility knew no bounds as he fearlessly embraced new opportunities with a spirit of excellence.

Jim’s love for sports was evident to all who knew him. An avid supporter of the Razorbacks and Benton Panthers, his allegiance towards the St. Louis Cardinals shone brightest. Not only did he coach baseball and football teams, but he also lent his voice as the “Radio Voice” of the Benton Football Team and announced games for various other teams over the years including Bauxite, Glen Rose, and Harmony Grove. His presence as a sports broadcaster on Channel 11 and Channel 4 television stations resonated with audiences far and wide. Moreover, his lasting contribution to the radio industry through KEWI station on 690 AM for over two decades solidified his impact.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim’s personality left a lasting impression on those around him. Known for being opinionated yet humorous, he had a joke ready to share and a delicious meal to cook – albeit leaving behind quite the mess for his dear Deegy to clean up. His belief in Christ was unwavering, evident through his faithfulness at East Side Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Benton where he grew up. As an ordained minister in the Baptist faith and a member of the Benton Optimist Club, Jim lived out his values daily.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Diana Denise McNeil; parents, Virgil and Josephine (Gates) Landers; and eight siblings.

In his passing, Jim is survived by his beloved wife Doris “Deegy” Gattin-Landers; daughters: Sharon Annette Landon and Melissa Johanna Goins along with her husband Eric; grandchildren: Johnathan Wallace with wife Ashley, Derek Adams with wife Jaidan, and Tarina Simmons; great-grandchildren Peyton Wallace with wife Kelsey, Jackson Wilbanks, Makynsey Wallace, CJ Simmons, and Christina Simmons; great-great-grandchildren Colt Adams, Beau Adams, and Kopelynn Wallace; nephews Jeff Lorenzo, Jimmy Crawford, David Crawford, Steve Landers,Nick Landers,and Lance Landers; nieces Jonell Mallory with husband Jim and Lisa McGuire with husband Steve; in addition to numerous family members and friends who cherished him deeply.

A Memorial Service will be held on August 12th at First Baptist Church of Benton  to honor and remember Jim’s remarkable life. His memory will forever be cherished by all those fortunate enough to have known him. James H. Landers will be dearly missed but never forgotten for the indelible mark he left on this world.