It is with immense grief and sorrow that we inform our families and friends of the unexpected passing of James (aka Jim/Aj) Robert Arnold. On Monday, May 5th, 2025 at approximately 2:45PM, he joined is his wife and other family and friends who preceded him, in our Lord’s home.
Jim Arnold (71y) of Anna, Texas passed away on May 5, 2025 at home with his daughter and son-in-law. Jim was born to the late Betty Jane (nee Bruck) and late Roland “Bud” Joseph Arnold on July 27, 1953 in St Louis, Missouri. He was the third of his siblings including Dave (Nancy) Arnold, the late Larry Arnold (Cindy Hensley), and sister Janet (Gary) Dedeke. Jim was born and raised in Affton, MO where he resided the first 69 years of his life. His entire education he attended and graduated from Affton High School with the class of 1972 where he met two of his best lifelong friends, Jay Traxel and the late Richard Berger. In his early years he worked at his parents’ store, Arnold Hardware and Paint on Gravois in South City. He pursued an associate degree in Auto Mechanics from St Louis Community College. Jim was a true “jack of all trades” as he pursued certification in HVAC/R, as well as a vast knowledge in locksmithing, carpentry, electrical and plumbing. Jim primarily worked in facilities maintenance most of his career.
Jim met and married the late Georgia Ann (nee Yohncke). They were married 35 years when she preceded him in death. They had one child, Angela (nee Arnold) (Paul) Klemme on November 21, 1980. When Angie was young, Jim would take her to school and softball games on the back of his motorcycle. He always made time to play catch in the back yard and work on her game. Jim coached and attend all her softball games and band performances through high school. One of her best related memories was when he and Georgia traveled to Toronto, Ontario, Canada by Amtrak for her annual band competition. Jim happily walked Angie down the aisle on October 27, 2007 to his son-in-law Paul. Angie and Paul gave Jim his pride and joys: three grandchildren Anthony James “AJ” (15y), Avery Lynn (9y) and Benjamin Lee (5y). He thoroughly enjoyed teaching them how to use tools, how to work on their bikes, and fix toys. He was always proud of the fact that if he asked any of them for a phillips screwdriver, long nose pliers, a power drill, etc they knew at a very young age what to hand Grandpa. He was always waiting for them to ask Grandpa for help so he could teach them something. Jim was a member of the fraternal order of Masons. He received his 32° in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Jim was a member of Algabil Freedom Masonic Lodge #636 and was a Past Worshipful Master of Lambskin Lodge #460, both in St Louis. On July 1, 2023, Jim moved 600 miles with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren to begin a new chapter in his book of life in North Texas where he resided with them until his passing. Jim’s retired days consisted of watching mystery crime shows to see if he could solve the crime before it was revealed, solving sudoku puzzles and doing projects around the house for his family. His grandkids and a few neighborhood kids always got a kick out of meeting Grandpa after school for a ride home on the golf cart. Jim became known to the neighbors as “Grandpa Jim”. He was always included in holidays and celebrations within our little community of “neighbor family”. He will be greatly missed. Jim leaves behind his daughter, son-in-law, three grandchildren, and numerous family, friends, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and Godchildren.
Jim’s final wishes have been fulfilled to donate his body to scientific research. He has been accepted to the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his memory on the evening of Thursday, June 26th, 2025 at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue St Louis, MO 63139
Shared memories and music 4:30-6:00
Masonic Funeral 6:00-6:30
Memorial Service 6:30-7:15
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Masonic Home of Missouri at www.mohome.org or by mail at Masonic Home of Missouri, In Memorial of Jim Arnold, PWM, 6033 Masonic Dr, Ste A, Columbia, MO 65202.
ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MICHEL FUNERAL HOME
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