Dr. Jim Edson, 84

Dr. Jim Edson, 84, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, with his wife, Jennifer, by his side. He leaves behind a life defined by family, education, curiosity, and a genuine love of science and the natural world.

Born May 26, 1942, Jim grew up in Fort Smith. From an early age, he developed the curiosity and love of learning that would remain with him throughout his life. He had a natural fascination with the world around him and a desire to understand how things worked; qualities that eventually led him to a life devoted to science and education.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science from Arkansas Tech University, a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, and a PhD in Geology and Paleontology from Tulane University.

In 1977, Jim began teaching at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), where he would spend the next 38 years doing what he loved. He had a true passion for teaching and influenced generations of students before retiring in 2015. During his years at UAM, Jim also served as an advisor for Sigma Tau Gamma Epsilon, another role that allowed him to mentor and connect with students beyond the classroom. Jim had a special passion for working with elementary educators, sharing his love of science and helping them bring curiosity and discovery into their own classrooms.

Jim’s fascination with the natural world extended well beyond the classroom. He raised and hatched monarch butterflies, had a boa constrictor named Eric, an iguana named Darwin, and even an alligator, which he eventually donated to the Hot Springs Alligator Farm. Those who knew Jim knew that science wasn’t simply his profession; curiosity was a part of who he was.

Jim married Jennifer on July 3, 1985, and with that marriage came Kelly and Annie, whom he loved and considered his daughters in every sense of the word. Together, they built a family that became one of the most important parts of his life. Jim absolutely adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great joy in watching them grow. They held a very special place in his heart, and being their Poppa was one of the greatest joys of his life.

After retiring from UAM, Jim and Jennifer moved to Hot Springs, where they enjoyed spending their retirement together doing something they both loved—playing golf at the Village.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his daughters, Kelly (Scott) and Annie (Clifton); his grandchildren, Madison (Trevor), Bailey (Austin), Lee (Cortney), Wil (Lauren), and Jaxson; and his great-grandchildren, Carson, Layne, Oaklyn, Paisley, Lilly, and Keylee. He is also survived by his sister, LouAnne, and his niece, Julie.

Jim will be remembered not only for the degrees he earned or the many years he spent in a classroom, but for the curiosity he encouraged, the knowledge he shared, the students he influenced, and the wonderfully unique interests that made him Jim. His impact can be found in the family who loved him, the students he taught, and the countless people who learned something simply because Jim was always eager to share what he knew.”