James Vestal Schoenrock, 88 of Little Rock, passed away Dec. 21, 2025. He was a member of Chenal Valley Baptist Church.
He graduated from Jacksonville College, where he met his wife, Wilma Seago. They married in 1958 and shared 65 years of marriage until her death in June 2024.
Bro. Schoenrock earned an Associate of Arts degree from Jacksonville College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He was also a three-time graduate of BMA Theological Seminary, earning two Bachelor of Divinity degrees, including one with an emphasis in languages, and a Master of Divinity degree.
He was saved and baptized in October 1947 in Mabank, Texas, and surrendered to the ministry at First, Grand Saline, Texas, in June 1949 at the age of 11. He was ordained in April 1958 by First, Jacksonville, Texas. He devoted over 60 years to faithful service in the BMA, pastoring churches across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, including College View, Magnolia; First, Red Oak, Texas; Central, Lubbock, Texas; Wakefield, Little Rock; First, Springhill, La.; Calvary, Mesquite, Texas; and most recently Sheppard Drive, Euless, Texas, where he served for nearly 20 years.
Besides pastoring, he served as the first full-time ABS director at Southern State University (now Southern Arkansas University) in Magnolia, Arkansas. He also served as assistant director of BMA Missions (now BMA Global) for the BMA of America (Aug. 1979-April 1982) and was elected director of BMA Missions in May 1982, serving until July 1988. Additionally, he served as vice president and president of the BMA of America and was a member of the BMA Missions Advisory Board. Bro. Schoenrock held many positions during his time in Texas and also taught extension courses for BMA Seminary. In recognition of his service, he received the Kellar Award from BMA Seminary in 2008 and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Jacksonville College in 2021.
Known for his genuine love for people, Bro. Schoenrock was a source of encouragement to church members, pastors, and missionaries alike. His ministry was marked by personal connection, pastoral care, and a deep commitment to the local church.
He is survived by his sister, Helen Kulas; his brother, John Schoenrock; one daughter, Tammie (Mark) Davis; one son, David Schoenrock; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Dec. 27, 2025, at New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to BMA Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 670, Jacksonville, Texas 75766, or to Alzheimer’s Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.
