James F. Rye, 95, of Cabot went to the Lord Sunday, August 16, 2026. He was born in Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas to the late Andrew & Eunice (Anderson) Rye. He was a devoted husband and father. He was an extremely patriotic person from childhood and highly devoted to the military which he proudly served his country for 29 ½ years. He was highly motivated in his career and made Chief Master Sargent E9 in 17 years. After joining the military at 18 he served assignments including thirteen years overseas. His tour of duties included assignments performed in the Korea and Vietnam wars. He was awarded several decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal for duties performed in a combat zone. After retiring from the USAF he worked Civil Service at Little Rock AFB for an additional 14 years before retiring a second time. It was at this point in his life when he started a new hobby of buying real estate and developing it. In his younger years James enjoyed fishing, camping and grilling out with friends and family. In his later years he became an avid gardener with vegetables and flowers which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. He also enjoyed his daily walks with his beloved dog, Sassy and spending time outside in nature. Throughout his life he cherished his friendships he developed during his extensive career and continued to enjoy them throughout his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, JoAnn Rye, his parents Andrew and Eunice (Anderson) Rye; and his siblings Eugene (brother) / Betty Rye of Cabot, Glendene (sister)/ L. C. James of Cabot, Joyce (sister) / Bill Hester of Jacksonville, Linda (sister)/ Elmore Temple of Jacksonville, Juanita (Sister)/ Henry Morphew of Cabot, Kitty (sister)/ Glen of Tyler Texas, William “Pud” Carrington (son in law) of Cabot and former son in law, Rodney Smith of Cabot.

He is survived by his son, Andy / Robin Rye, son Michael Rye and daughter Debbie Smith. Sue Carrington (sister)

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses for their compassionate care and kindness at John L McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2026, at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Cabot. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to DAV: Disabled American Veterans at https: www.dav.org. Arrangements made by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home https;// www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com