CMSgt James F. Rye, USAF (Ret), 95, of Cabot, went to be with the Lord Sunday, August 16, 2026. He was born in Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas to the late Andrew and Eunice (Anderson) Rye. He was a devoted husband and father. James was an extremely patriotic person from childhood and highly devoted to the military. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for twenty-nine and a half years. He was highly motivated in his career and made Chief Master Sargent E9 in 17 years. After joining the military at 18, James served assignments including thirteen years overseas. His tours of duty included service performed in the Korean 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 Unites States Air Force, James worked Civil Service at Little Rock Air Force Base for an additional fourteen 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. James also enjoyed his daily walks with his beloved dog, Sassy, and spending time outside in nature. Throughout his life he cherished the friendships he developed during his extensive career and continued to enjoy them throughout his lifetime.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of forty-two years, JoAnn Rye; 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 sons, Andy/Robin Rye and Michael Rye; daughter, Debbie Smith and sister, Sue Carrington.

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

Graveside services will be hald 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, 501-843-5816.