James William Kooistra

James William Kooistra, 76, of Gentry, AR passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in Fayetteville, AR. He was born on August 1, 1947, in Hammond, Indiana, the son of the late William Kooistra JR and Mary Elizabeth (Adams) Kooistra.

On August 15, 1970, Jim married Janis Jayne Jackson and she survives. Jim graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree. Jim worked for many years at the Spann & Yoe and Crafton-Tull & Assoc. Architecture Firms in Rogers. After leaving those firms, Jim opened Architecture Inc and continued working until his health forced him to retire.

Jim was a member of the Gentry Planning Commission and had been “Santa” for many years in the Gentry area. Jim attended the Methodist Church in Gentry and was an active Friend of the Gentry Fire Department. Jim designed and was a valuable part of the construction of the Gentry Skate Park.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jayne; a son, Aaron (Chana) Kooistra; a daughter, Julie (Brandon) Masters; a brother, William Kooistra III of Holland, MI; 2 sisters, Barbara (Richard) Murray of Huntington, IN and Betty (Darold) Nichols of Lowell, IN; 3 grandsons, Jaxon Kooistra, Gavin Kooistra, and Cameron Masters of whom he was a very proud Papa, and a host of friends.

Per Jim’s wishes, cremation was chosen and there will be no services.