James Cathey was born November 24, 1935, in Thornton. He died May 15, 2024, in Rison. Cathey was the son of the late Ernestine Black Cathey and the late J. P. Cathey. He was predeceased by his first wife, Janis Bonnette Cathey, and his second wife, Sue Hendricks Cathey.
Cathey was a graduate of Thorton High School, Henderson State Teachers College, and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Additionally, he attended Southern Arkansas University, Mississippi State University, and LA Tech University working toward his PhD.
Cathey taught in the Arkansas public schools for two years, was discharged as a Captain in the MSC/U.S. Army Reserve, worked at First National Bank in Magnolia, and retired from the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he taught marketing and general business courses from 1968-1999.
After retirement, Cathey owned Fresh Interiors of Monticello, an interior redesign firm. He was a certified Interior Redesigner, Decorator, Color Consultant, and Home Stager. He attended the National Redesign Institute in Kansas City, Mo., to obtain the training necessary for these certifications.
In 1987, Cathey was hired as organist for Wood Avenue ARP Church in Monticello, where he also served as the choir director, pianist, and treasurer. Cathey also played at St. Marks Catholic Church and for many special occasions over the years for friends and family.
Surviving Cathey are two daughters: Lesa Handly (Brooks) of Little Rock and Traci Walls (Michael) of Pine Bluff.
Funeral Services for Cathey were held at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. with a visitation at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Interment was in Oakland Cemetery, Monticello.
The family requests that memorials be made to: James P. Cathey Business Scholarship University of Arkansas at Monticello.
