In Loving Memory of

James Ralph "Jim" Bacon

September 26, 1937 – July 19, 2026

James Ralph "Jim" Bacon, 87, of Crockett, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home on

July 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends on the farm he cherished.

Jim was born on September 26, 1937, in Paragould, Arkansas, to Albert and Laura Dunn Bacon.

He grew up alongside his siblings, Charles, Carolyn, Melba, and William "Bill" Bacon. From an

early age, he developed the strong work ethic, love of horses, and independent spirit that would

define his life.

A true cowboy through and through, Jim spent his younger years competing in rodeos across the

United States. He rode rough stock, including bulls, broncs, and bareback horses, and competed

in team roping. He later became a highly respected blacksmith and farrier, spending many years

shoeing horses at Oaklawn Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He also trained wagon teams,

drove stagecoaches, and there seemed to be very little involving horses that Jim couldn't do.

Whether riding and training horses, roping a steer, driving a wagon, or working at the forge, he

did every job with skill, determination, and pride.

Jim believed hard work built character, and he lived by that belief every day. He enjoyed the

simple pleasures of life: a good home-cooked meal, a well-trained horse, his beloved farm, a

piping hot cup of black coffee, a sweet treat, good friends, and swapping stories. He loved a good

practical joke and could be as stubborn as a mule—a trait that those who loved him accepted

with a smile. Above all else, Jim loved his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than

spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also raised his

grandson, James Golden, passing on his love of horses, country living, and the values of hard

work and perseverance as well as his orneriness. He got great joy out of knowing all his great

grandkids had started riding horses and competing in shows and rodeos, playing sports and

fishing.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Laura Dunn Bacon; his brother, Charles

Bacon; his sister, Carolyn Bacon Watson; his infant son, Jimmy Lee Bacon; and his infant great-

granddaughter, Brooklee Kay Crowder.

He is survived by his daughters, Kay Golden and Barbara Midkiff, both of Crockett, Arkansas;

his son, Kolt Bacon of Conroe, Texas; his sister, Melba Campbell of Hot Springs, Arkansas;

and his brother, William "Bill" Bacon of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Tom (Brenda) Goodwin of Hot Springs,

Arkansas; David (Kristy) Golden of Crockett, Arkansas; James (Charlotte) Golden of

Greenway, Arkansas; Tony (Kara) Golden of Rector, Arkansas; Michalle (Charles) Crowder

of Qulin, Missouri; Laura Golden (Corey Causey) of Piggott, Arkansas; and Billy (Jennifer)

Bishop of Inverness, Florida.

Jim was blessed with nineteen great-grandchildren: Ashley (Aaron) McCaghren, Allison

Goodwin, Amber Goodwin, D.J. Golden, Preston Golden-Armstrong, Ricky Golden, Shanon

Wilson, Kyle Golden, Emma Golden, Austin Golden, Andrew Golden, Abigail Bedwell,

Annabeth Golden, Hayden Johnson, Dakota Johnson, Joshua Crowder, Makayla Crowder,

Clayton Proctor, and Brey Bishop. He was also the proud great-great-grandfather of Olivia,

Maggie, and Luke McCaghren.

Jim had five nephews, Chuck Bacon, Ed Bacon, Jimmy Bacon, Rodney Bacon, and Kenny

Watson; seven nieces, Sharon Bacon, Paula Bacon Tubbs, Deb Watson, Diane Watson, Laura

Bacon, Sarah Bacon, and Susan Bacon; along with many extended family members and lifelong

friends.

Jim was more than a cowboy—he was a mentor, a storyteller, and a friend. He inspired others

through his work ethic, his willingness to lend a helping hand, and the wisdom he shared through

a lifetime of experience. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and in the countless

lives he touched.

Jim spent his final days peacefully at home on his beloved farm, surrounded by family and

friends. There will forever be a missing link in our family chain, but his love, laughter, wisdom,

and cowboy spirit will remain with us always. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered,

and forever loved.

Ride Easy, Cowboy.

His boots may be empty, but the tracks he left behind will never fade.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Piggott, Arkansas

Visitation: 11:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 p.m.

May the wind be always at your back, the trail rise gently before you, and may you ride forever

beneath wide-open skies. Until we meet again.