James Charles "Jim" Wyatt of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at home at the age of 80. Jim was born on September 22, 1939, in Charleston, Arkansas. He grew up in Branch, Arkansas, attended County Line Schools where he graduated in 1957. Upon his graduation, he earned a scholarship to play basketball at Fort Smith Junior College.  He continued his education and basketball career at College of the Ozarks, where he graduated in 1961. After graduating from college, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Janie Daily, on August 19, 1961. He began his coaching career that same year at Fourche Valley, Arkansas, coaching both the high school boys' and girls' basketball teams. He led the girls' basketball team to their first state playoffs appearance. He went on to Ramsey Junior High in Fort Smith, where he coached basketball, football, and track for three years. In 1965, he joined the original Southside High School coaching staff as an assistant basketball and football coach. He was one of the four original Rebels. Working with head coach Ronnie Bateman, the team of 1965-66 won the conference championship, the first time they were eligible for the crown. Jim joined Coach Gayle Kaundart at Westark Community College in 1974, and coached five national tournament teams, including the 1981 NJCAA National Championship team. He was named athletic director at Westark in 1982, a position he held for 16 years. He retired from the college in 2003. Jim enjoyed watching basketball, was an avid horseman, and loved listening to Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Tony Bennett. He also enjoyed fishing and doing anything with his grandkids. Jim was a member of West-Ark Church of Christ in Fort Smith.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27th, at Hampton Cemetery, located two miles north of Branch on Highway 41, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston. Pallbearers are Jim Hamilton, Patrick Pruitt, Steven Wyatt, Michael Wyatt, Phillip Plunkett, James Wagoner, Jerry Glidewell, and Billy Higgins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Robert Wyatt, Sr. and Dorothy (Chastain) Wyatt; two sisters, Shirley Cox and Alicia Wyatt; and a brother, John Robert Wyatt, Jr.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Janie (Daily) Wyatt of Fort Smith; two sons, Darren Wyatt and wife Cyndi and Doug Wyatt and wife Karen, all of Fort Smith; his daughter, Missy Joyce and husband Jeb of Fayetteville; his grandchildren, Amanda Wyatt, Jacob Wyatt, Hannah Wyatt, Hunter Joyce, Madison Wyatt, Abby Joyce, and Luke Wyatt; one sister, Barbara Lovell of Branch; two brothers, William "Bill" Wyatt and wife Jackie of Van Buren and Phillip Wyatt and wife Nita of Clarksville; and many nieces and nephews.

In honor of Jim Wyatt, public viewing will begin Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Charleston.

Visitation and public viewing will be Sunday, April 26th, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Due to "COVID 19," we ask that everyone abides by the social distancing directive, and we appreciate your cooperation at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs, 4905 North O St. Fort Smith, AR  72904.

A special thank you to Dr. Rabideau and Patty, Dr. Henry and Judy, and Dr. Mehl and Mercy Cardiology staff for Jim's care.

To view the video tribute, please visit http://videos.lifetributes.com/1065098

To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.