James Ray “Jim” Pierson, age 94, died peacefully Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Jim was born on November 7, 1931, in Eldorado, Illinois, the son of Lillian Elizabeth Bean and Wilson Thompson Pierson. He graduated from Eldorado High School in 1949. He attended business school in Evansville, IN and soon after started his long career with Swift and Company. He served as a Corporal in the US Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War. After returning from his service, he returned to Swift and Company, where he worked in Evansville, Johnstown PA, Kansas City KS, Kalamazoo MI, and Chicago IL for 40+ years. After retiring, he and his wife Ann moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 1998, where they raised cattle, grew gardens, and enjoyed life. He and Ann spent many years as faithful members of Christian Life Cathedral in Fayetteville. He volunteered for the US Census Bureau for the 2000 Census and then continued working part-time for the US Census Bureau until retiring once again in March of 2021.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Lillian and Wilson Pierson, stepfather Grover Pate, his aunt Margaret Bean Goss, sister Bobbie Jean Hendrix, first wife Sarah Louise Eubanks, second wife Naomi “Ann” Tweedy, son James R. Pierson II, stepson James E. Thornbrugh, and stepgrandson Tyler N. Thornbrugh.

Jim is survived by his daughter Susan Pierson Slezak and husband Dennis of Land O Lakes, Florida, his daughter Sarah “Sally” Pierson and partner John Volbers of Texas and Indiana, stepdaughter Kathy Fasl and husband John of Buda TX, stepson David Thornbrugh and wife Judy of Lakeland FL, and Steven Thornbrugh and wife Sharon of Mission KS. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation and Elite Hospice in Springdale, AR for their years of care, love and comfort.

Jim was cremated. A graveside ceremony will be held at Douglass Cemetery in Eldorado, Illinois at a future date.