Arthur James Pearson

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Arthur James Pearson, 63. A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Arthur was born in San Luis Obispo, California on November 29th, 1961. He passed away on April 7th, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by his family.

He married his wife Joanne on March 11th, 1983; they spent forty-three years together.

In 1988 he, along with his brother Larry, formed the Judge Parker Band. Little by little, Judge Parker became known as one of the hardest working bands in the Southern Rock scene, by performing an average of two hundred shows per year.

Judge Parker has shared the stage with Black Oak Arkansas, Big & Rich, Shooter Jennings, The Marshall Tucker Band, Confederate Railroad, Kentucky Headhunters, Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, Jackyl, David Allan Coe, and many more. Judge Parker has released three albums through their own label and publishing company. In 2010 they made their European tour debut, playing shows in Holland, Belgium, France, and Germany.

Arthur played a fundamental role in many other musical projects throughout his career as a guitarist; in 1989 he became a touring member of Jim Dandy’s Black Oak Arkansas until 2024. He was also a member of William Lee Golden’s band (Formerly of The Oakridge Boys), Bluffet (a Jimmy Buffet tribute band), and The Pearson Brothers. He was also a lover of fishing, camping, and record collecting.

He is survived by his wife Joanne, sons Joshua James and Jesse Lee Pearson, brothers Larry and Bruce Pearson, and sister in law Stephanie Pearson – all of Fort Smith. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his beloved dog T-bone.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur Lee and Dolores Ann Pearson, as well as his daughter Jessica Ann Pearson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 3:00 PM at Majestic Fort Smith (817 Garrison Ave) under the direction of Edward’s Funeral Home followed by burial at Prairie View Cemetery in Prairie View, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be: Sundance Pearson, Jacob Pearson, Nicholas Sharp, Michael Rice, Roy Rogers, Luke Peterson, Steven Pearson, and David Clough. Honorary pallbearers will be: Robert Takatch, Ronnie Wurst, Billy Andrews, William Lee Pearson, Steve Featherston, Kendall Edwards, and Steve Dufresne.

In lieu of flowers, donations made via GoFundMe will be used to assist in covering funeral expenses.

“The song has ended but the melody lingers on”