LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (Oct. 18, 2018) – The Board of Directors of The United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas voted to name their new headquarters building in honor of the CEO who served the organization for more than 35 years. The James B. Argue, Jr. Stewardship Center is almost ready for occupancy, and signage is going up soon. A formal dedication of the building in Argue’s memory is planned for early 2019.
“The James B. Argue, Jr. Stewardship Center perfectly reflects the focus of The United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas; that is, to encourage and enable Arkansas United Methodists to be good stewards,” said the Honorable Beth Deere, Chair of the UMFA Board. “Not coincidentally, stewardship was the watchword of Jim Argue’s life and work. It is a fitting name for the Foundation’s new home.”
The 10,000-square-foot building on Wellington Village Road in Little Rock will house offices for the Foundation staff and is also the home of the Lusk Training Center, named for John and Becki Lusk of El Dorado who made a $1 million gift to fund the portion of the building that will be used for group meetings and events.
“Jim’s career goes far beyond his 35-plus years of service at the helm of the Foundation,” said Clarence Trice, UMFA Senior Vice President and CFO. “His continuing national leadership on education issues, his long-term leadership in the Arkansas General Assembly, and his local board leadership to several non-profit organizations are marks of his commitment to United Methodist principles.”
James B. Argue, Jr. was born August 19, 1951, to Rev. and Mrs. James B. Argue, Sr. He was a graduate of Little Rock Hall High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Hendrix College in 1973. Jim was the President Pro Tempore of the Arkansas State Senate for the 85th General Assembly and a Democratic member of the Arkansas Senate, representing the 32nd District, from 1996 to 2008. Previously he was a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1991 through 1996. He was a long-time member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.
In 1981, Jim became President of The United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas. Under his leadership, the Foundation’s assets grew from $67,000 to more than $164 million upon his death in May 2018.
About The United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas
The United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas manages $165 million in endowment funds and other charitable assets that benefit local churches and United Methodist ministries. UMFA is one of the largest United Methodist Foundations in the country. Founded in 1963, the Foundation is responsible for over 800 funds that support United Methodist ministries.
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Media contact:
Haley Walker Klein
501-664-8632
hklein@umfa.org