James Alan "Jim" von Gremp

James Alan “Jim” von Gremp, 75, of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born October 21, 1949, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Mary and James Ellis von Gremp, Jim was the eldest of four children — growing up in Camdenton with his sisters Marianne Kelly and Susan Samuelson, and brother Andy von Gremp. He shared a life full of love and adventure with his wife, Susan, and their children, Megan and Alan. He adored his four grandchildren — Madeline and Mary Katherine Morgan, and Will and Finn von Gremp — and delighted in every chance to cheer them on as their “Pops”, celebrate their milestones, and share his humor, curiosity, and joy for life.

A graduate of the University of Missouri, Jim began his professional journey at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in Bentonville, where he held positions in training, accounting, and public relations before ultimately leading the company’s charitable foundation. During his time there, he helped launch Wal-Mart’s national partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network — a collaboration that has since raised more than $1 billion to support children’s hospitals across the country.

In 1988, Jim left the corporate world to spend more time at home, starting an accounting practice and later joining A.G. Edwards & Sons. He also co-owned radio stations in Joplin, Missouri, and worked in real estate development, including The Arbors, bringing his energy, financial acumen, and community-minded spirit to every venture.

Driven by a lifelong desire to serve others, Jim entered public service in 1992, representing Benton County in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He later served as Executive Director of Governmental Operations and as Chairman of the Arkansas Public Service Commission under Governor Mike Huckabee, earning a reputation as a thoughtful problem-solver and “Mr. Fix-It” for state government.

Jim continued to give back through Rotary International, United Way of Benton County, and the Benton County Single Parent Scholarship Fund, which he supported throughout his life. He also served on the boards of Arvest Bank, the Northwest Arkansas Charitable Foundation, America’s Car-Mart, and the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees.

He treasured time with friends and adventures with Susan — from trips with family and friends around the world to the many years they spent making cherished memories in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He also deeply enjoyed worshiping at Fellowship Bible Church and spending time with his community group, his Monday and Thursday men’s prayer groups, and his Mexico church group, whose friendship and faith enriched his life in countless ways, especially in his five-year journey with cancer.

A casual time of visiting will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 10:00 a.m. at Fellowship Bentonville, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. You are welcome to wear red in honor of the Razorback game that day.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to two organizations that were dear to his heart — the Samaritan Community Center and the Benton County Single Parent Scholarship Fund. Online donation links provided below.

Above all, he believed that the measure of a good life was service to others.