Jimmy Witherspoon
By submitted, 06/13/19 9:24 AM
Jimmy R. Witherspoon, 49, was born March 14, 1970 in Rockford, IL to Dorothy Devin. He left his earthly body on June 6, 2019. Jimmy was a Supervisor with Tyson Foods, Hope, AR, until his cancer diagnosis in 2016.
Jimmy attended Hope Public schools where he thrived as an athlete. Jimmy excelled in football and was a legendary BOBCAT. Jimmy led his team in tackles, was an All-State selection, named the outstanding defensive lineman in the 7 AAA conference, two-year starter at linebacker, played in the All-Star game and was inducted into the Hope Bobcat Hall of Fame. After graduating from Hope High School, Jimmy attended Ouachita Baptist University on a full football scholarship. While at OBU, Jimmy was leading tackler for 3 of his 4 years. He was team captain, All American AIC pick and Honorable mention NAIA All American.
During summer breaks from college Jimmy would umpire Little league and Dixie League baseball games through Hope Parks & Rec. Jimmy enjoyed mentoring, giving advice and encouragement to all the young men who lives he touched. After leaving OBU he attended umpiring school in Florida and then began umpiring American Legion High School and Sun Belt Conference College Baseball games.
In May 1993, Jimmy received his first contract with the Houston Oilers. He played in exhibition games with the Oilers against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills under Coach Jack Pardee. He was released from the Houston Oilers on August 30th. Jack Pardee contacted an old friend, Forrest Gregg, who was the Head Coach for the Pirates, a new CFL franchise in Shreveport. After the first week Jimmy was starting as linebacker for the CFL. He finished the 1994 season with the Shreveport Pirates before returning to Houston the following year for training camp. Jimmy played in exhibition games during the summer of 1995 in Mexico City against the Dallas Cowboys and in San Antonio under Coach Jeff Fisher. Jimmy seemed to have a promising future with the Oilers until an injury during the final cut ended his football career.
Jimmy was truly one of a kind. Some of the words used to describe Jimmy by sports editors and friends are, silent assassin on the field, lightning quick athlete, superhero to many fans and always had a positive impact on people. His children feel extraordinary and exceptional do not describe him well enough. Jimmy always reminded his children to stick together.
On July 9, 1994, Jimmy united in marriage to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Michelle Courtney Witherspoon.
Jimmy is predeceased by his adoptive father Johnny Rockett and his grandmother Zira Jean Martin.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Witherspoon; 4 children, Jeremy Witherspoon, Katarina Richardson (Ronald), Kassidy Witherspoon (John) and Joshua Witherspoon; seven grandchildren, Zaraiah, Jeremecia, Gianna, Taylor, Amera, John Jr. and Alana; his mother, Dorothy Devlin; Father-in-law & Mother-in-law, James & Darlene Courtney; Grandfather, Earlie D. Martin; siblings, Pamela Hardiman (Bobby), Shanta Devlin, Michelle Burton (Autry), Bo Devlin (Tonya) and Charlie Rockett; Brother-in-law, Jimmy Courtney (Carrie); Sister-in-law, Kimberly Lucas (Steven); friends that were like brothers, Mark Haywood, Darcy Roy & Bennie Johnson. Jimmy is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. William Bennett and the nursing staff at Hospice of Texarkana/Hospice of Hope. A special thanks to Hannah for her compassion and empathy and for advocating for Jimmy.
Visitation will be from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, Saturday, June 15, 2019 at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest Funeral Home 1001 South Main St. Hope, Arkansas 71801.
Memorial service will be 2:00, Saturday, June 15, 2019 at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest. No burial to follow. Arrangements are with BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie BRAZZEL, Director. Online register: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com
