Jimmy Arnold

Jimmy Arnold, a man whose laughter was as contagious as his generosity, embarked on his final adventure on July 29, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a few startled family members thanks to his penchant for playful scares. Born on October 14, 1946, Jimmy’s life was an epic tale of Christian joy, jest, and an impressive collection of family friends, and pets.

Jimmy's love story with his wife, Joyce Burton Arnold, began on September 28, 1973—50 years of partnership that was as much about the giggles as it was about the romance. Together, they raised a vibrant family, with sons William (Bonnie), Jim, Shawn Doty, Scott (Tanya), Clayton Joshua (Michelle), Christopher (Brandi), and Phillip; and his eternal princess, Mary (deceased). Though he was predeceased by his mother, Bessie Mae Arnold, his sons Will and Christopher, and his daughter Mary, his spirit lives on through his brother Timmy Arnold; his sisters Joy Ruth Brumley, Bessiemae Stanley, and Essilee Welk; and a battalion of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Jacob Doty, Sydnie Knighton, Zane Doty, Brianna Arnold, Jessica Arnold, Angela Arnold, Josh Arnold, Shayleigh Sockwell, Katarina Nicole, Rhegyn Rhanda Genzer, Lesleigh Bolton, Dylan Michael, Brandon Arnold, Payton Arnold, Kadence Kaderli, Liam Todd, Rebecca Arnold, Dakota Arnold, Eddy Arnold, and Willie Arnold. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends including friends of 40 plus years John and Theresa Dial.

A man of many hats and even more jokes, Jimmy's life was a testament to the power of God and a good laugh. His humor was the glue that held the family together, whether he was jumping out from behind doors or giving a stinky finger. His grandchildren, from Jacob to Payton to Willie, knew him as the Grandpa who could turn a regular day into a memorable one with his mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eye.

Jimmy’s heart was as big as his humor. He never met a stray animal he didn't like, and his pet raccoon was just one of the many critters that enjoyed his generous spirit. The Arnold home was always a haven for two-legged and four-legged friends alike, and Jimmy was the ringmaster of this loving, lively circus.

Jimmy's greatest joy was being a Christian.

Jimmy was a reminder that life is to be lived with joy and laughter. He was a loving husband to Joyce. The two of them were quite a pair. Jimmy could be hard-headed, but the love that he felt for Joyce was palpable until the end.

Jimmy’s life was a study in how to be a Great Dad with a legacy of love that will ripple through the generations. As we say our goodbyes to this extraordinary man, let us honor his memory by embracing the laughter, the love, and the occasional harmless prank. After all, that's exactly how Jimmy would want it.

Jimmy Arnold was a man whose life was spent serving the Lord. He is now praising with our Savior in Heaven. He has hugged Mary, Chris, and Will. While we miss him greatly, we know that we will see him again in Heaven.

John 14:1-3

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.