James Howard Stanley

James Howard “Sonny” Stanley, 86, of Henderson Nevada, passed away March 30th, 2023 surrounded by family. He was born in Patmos, Arkansas to James Emless and Frankie Lee (Ward) Stanley on June 25th, 1936. He was the oldest of five children.

Sonny attended school at Patmos until the high school consolidated with Hope High School in Hope, AR his junior year. It was in school that he developed his love for sports, especially basketball. He was an outstanding basketball player and even gave the younger kids a good game much into his older years.  After graduating high school in 1954 he attended Texarkana Junior College on a basketball scholarship. After college, he was unable to find suitable employment so he joined the army in 1957. He was stationed at Madigan Army Hospital, Tacoma, Washington where he met two of his lifelong buddies, Johnny Zaninovich & Bill Harju. He always stated that M*A*S*H had nothing on them!

After being discharged from the army, the economy in Southwest Arkansas had not changed so he took the advice of the legendary Horace Greely. “Go West young man Go West”.  Sonny landed in Henderson in 1963 where he later became partners with Bud Franklin as co-owner of the Gold Mine Bar on Water Street. After many long days and nights in the bar industry, he decided that was not the life for him. He changed careers and went to work at “Timet” (Titanium Metals Corporation – Titanium refining) in 1974, where he stayed for 28 years until his retirement as a melt shop superintendent.  After finding himself restless in retirement, he went back to work. He started doing Meals on Wheels for the elderly part-time and finally after about 10 years, he retired for good.

In his younger years, he loved to travel and do a lot of fishing. Sonny and his son James would take annual summer trips to the coast to go fishing and enjoy the national parks while in route. He was a frequent keno player at the Rainbow Club where he met his wife to be, Josie.  Sonny loved playing the poker machines at the Skyline Casino where sometimes the machines loved him back, sometimes not.  Sonny loved visits from his family so he could tell his stories and jokes. He led a full and wonderful life, of which his friends and family were blessed to be a part.

He was predeceased by his mother Frankie Lee Stanley, father James Emless Stanley, and sister Norma Jean Norwood. He is survived by his wife of 31 years Josephita (Josie) Stanley, son James David Stanley, stepdaughter Alecia Perry (David), and stepson Michael Mitchell. Brothers Donald Stanley (Peggy), David Stanley (Ruth), and sister Wanda Olney. His granddaughters Montana Stanley, Skye Stanley, Rachel Mitchell, and Grandson Michael Montoya (Jasmine), and 5 great-grandchildren Khloe, Khali, Maddox, Joshlyn, and Mila.

A private service will be held May 17, 2023.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to your church or your favorite charity.

Sonny will be forever in our hearts.