Nathaniel James
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
1950 ~ 2026
Date of Death: April 29, 2026
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the James Family. Nathaniel's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Nathaniel James.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Founder
Xavier Griffin ~ Director
Pastor Wesley Hooks ~ Chaplain
Nathanel James Sr. was born on December 6, 1950, at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana to Charles James Sr., and Celina Wallace. He was the fourth of ten children. On December 12, 1967, he married Betty Mae Washington and together they had five children.
During his high school years Nat attended Job Corps of New Orleans where he earned his high school diploma. On May 25, 1970, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served as an Executive Chef during the Vietnam Era until he was honorably discharged on January 30, 1975. After being released from the Army he attended Delgado Community College where he received an associate’s degree in Art. In the following years, he launched what would be a lifelong career in carpentry. In the late 1990s, he started Nat James and Sons Construction where he continued his work in carpentry until partially retiring in 2008, then eventually fully retiring in 2013. In the early 2000s Nat and Betty began running a breakfast program at their church focusing on feeding and winning souls for Christ in the homeless community. In August 2005, during Hurricane Katrina they decided to open the church doors for the community. In making that decision, he led to safety and evacuated approximately 20 people. During Hurricane Katrina the family was relocated to Fort Smith, Arkansas where they decided to plant roots.
Nat enjoyed all forms of art but in his spare time he loved drawing in his sketchbook, painting when he could and occasionally sewing or upholstering. He often listened to gospel or jazz music on Pandora. Nat was well known for his witty sense of humor and of course always “telling it like it T.I. Is.” More than anything else he loved spending time with his family, whether it was visiting, talking to them on the phone or video and looking at photos. We can't talk about “Nat the Great” as he would call himself, without mentioning his love for suits, which were frequently worn with a well thought out hat and tie combination.
Over the many years, Nat attended several churches but in his later years became a member of Abiding Temple Ministries in New Orleans, LA., Evangel Temple Assembly of God Church in Fort Smith, AR, Garden Addition Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK and during his final years served as a Deacon at House of Prayer and Praise in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Nathanel James Sr. is preceded in death by his parents, Charles James Sr. and Celina James, his older sister, Joan Turner, his grandson, Averill James Jr. and son-in-law Mitchell Johnson.
He will forever be missed by his wife of 58 years Betty James, his children: Tammy Bijou (Warnell), Natasha Johnson, Nathanel James Jr (Christina), Averill James Sr (Marie), Benjamin James Sr (Sarah) and his honorary sixth child Areille James. He also leaves behind eight siblings: Charles James Jr. (Elaine), Tyronne James, Dolores Miles, Leroy James (Talmadge), Larry James, Lynn James, Veronica James, and Kevin James (Zelda). Nathanel will be missed by twenty-one grandchildren, one great-grandchild and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Walk through visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday May 6, 2026; 10:00am to 4:00pm Rowell-Parish Mortuary Chapel 611 North 9th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Celebration of life service will be Thursday May 7, 2026; 11:00am House of Prayer & Praise Missionary Baptist Church 4023 Mussett Rd., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.
Burial and final resting place: Fort Smith National Cemetery 522 Garland Ave., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
