John K. Joerden
John Knox Joerden, 62, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away unexpectedly on April 16, 2026, following a heart procedure in Hot Springs.
He was born on Aug. 6, 1963, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Mr. and Mrs. Larry Knox Joerden. At the age of 6 years old, Knox moved with his family to Georgetown, South Carolina, where he developed a lifelong love of the water and the outdoors, even trying his hand at surfing along the South Carolina coast at Pawley's Island.
Around 1979, Knox returned with his family to Pine Bluff, where he continued his education before forging his own path. He learned the trade of welding and began his career with Boe Construction, Inc., working on projects connected with the International Paper Company in Pine Bluff.
After many years in construction, Knox transitioned into operating heavy equipment, contributing to projects that remain part of our Arkansas communities today, such as Bayou Meto WMA levee system, Harbor Oaks Golf Course, Pine Bluff River Park and rebuilding Oaklawn Racetrack in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Whether you are hunting, golfing, fishing or at the track, Knox's work play in these Arkansas pastimes. At the time of his passing, he was employed in Hot Springs with Atrax, out of Shreveport, Louisiana.
For the last 30 years, he made his home in Hot Springs, where he once again found peace and fulfillment near the water. He cherished spending time with both friends and neighbors boating and going to the sandbar on Lake Hamilton.
A devoted outdoorsman, Knox had a particularly deep love for fishing. He rarely went anywhere without a fishing pole or two close by and never resisted the temptation to cast a line. That passion was instilled in him at an early age by his grandfather, John Thomas "Bo" Brown. Over the years, he fished countless waters, including Bussey Brake, Lake Chicot, the White River, and many spots dotted in between, often alongside his dear lifelong friend, Doug Black.
Known for his humor, smile, and generous spirit, Knox was a loyal and caring friend. He was especially fond of the "Taco Tuesday" dinner group, where laughter was plentiful and friendships were strong. He moved through life at his own pace, appreciated its simple joys, and left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents with whom he spent countless cherished moments, his father, Larry Knox Joerden and his mother, Eleanor Brown Joerden.
Survivors include his uncle, Thomas Collins Brown (Judy Brown) of Yuma, Arizona; his sister, Rebecca Joerden Farmer, and brother-in-law, Rodney Mitchum Farmer, of Vienna, Austria; his niece, Emma Arden Farmer of Boston, Massachusetts; his cousin, Colin Anthony Brown of Texarkana, Texas; and many dear friends and neighbors.
A memorial will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, April 24, 2026, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son in Pine Bluff with Rev. Russell Wilkins officiating. His ashes will be laid to rest privately at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff. The family will receive friends after the service at Robinson's.
Online register:http://www.RobinsonFuller.com.
