James Ross ("J.R.") Mote was born on July 27, 1932, in Sheridan, Arkansas, to James Lee and Thelma Gwin Mote. He spent his early years in Sheridan, where he graduated high school in 1950. On January 30, 1953, J.R. married the love of his life, Mary Riggan. He then enlisted in the United States Army, where he served abroad as military police and earned a rank of Major. After his service, he was passionate about contributing to the veteran community and helping those that served our country.

J.R. graduated from Henderson State University in 1958, and then became an insurance agent for State Farm in Sheridan, where he owned the local agency for over 35 years. While working hard to support his wife and two children, he continued serving his community through participating on countless local boards, committees, and other organizations over the years, including the local American Legion Post, Rotary Club, and Masonic Lodge. He was also an active member of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church.

While J.R. took great pride in helping and giving back to others, he was first and foremost a family man. He loved nothing more than spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other extended family members.

J.R. passed away on November 12, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Lee and Thelma Gwin Mote; son, Ross Alan Mote; and grandson, Shawn Alan Raney.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Mary Riggan Mote of Sheridan; daughter, Debbie (John) Larkan of Hot Springs Village; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Mote of Sheridan; sister, Donzella Lovell of Benton; grandchildren, Shannon Raney of Hot Springs Village, Nick Mote of Fayetteville, and Adam Mote and Christian Mote of Sheridan; great-grandchildren, Kristopher Raney and Hannah Raney of Hot Springs Village. Other survivors include numerous extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan, Arkansas, with Bro. Shawn Hill and Bro. DeHaan Thornton officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Sheridan. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., also at the Church. Memorials may be made to First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, 402 West Center, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150, or the American Legion Post #30, 1527 Highway 270 East, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150.

Pallbearers include: Adam Mote, Troy Moore, Honorable Chris Williams, Lloyd Lee, Randy Mooney, Brent Winston, Shannon Talbert, and Jim Webb. Honorary Pallbearers are: Jim Mayfield, Roy Webb, Franklin Pumphrey, Bruce Tipton, Tom Allen, Eddie Moring, David Reynolds and Glen Talbert.