James "Nick" N. Arnold

James Nicholas “Nick” Arnold, age 73 of Elwood, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025 at his sister’s country home following a 3-year, courageous battle with cancer.  He was born September 17, 1951 in Tipton, the son of Kenneth and Joetta (Coleman) Arnold.  Nick was a 1969 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and he also earned additional degrees from the vocational trade school.  He enjoyed working with his hands and was a hard worker all his life.  After high school, Nick started working with his father as a brick mason.  He then was self-employed in construction for 4 years in Crowley, Texas.  Upon returning to Indiana, Nick began working for Todd Nichols Construction as a siding installer for over 20 years.  Developing a brotherly friendship with his co-workers, he never felt he "worked" a day in his life.  Nick was a member of the Elwood Conservation Club and the founding member of the Archery Club in Elwood.  

Nick enjoyed doing anything as long as it involved being outdoors.  He loved fishing, camping, and was an avid bow deer hunter.  He had many memorable fishing trips with Todd Nichols, hunting trips with Jimmie Nichols, and mushroom hunting with his sister Rhoda.  Nick also went on numerous motorcycle trips to Mackinac Island, Michigan and Canada with his significant other, Tammy Reneau.  He was proud to have ridden the Blue Ridge Mountain and the Dragon’s Tail on his motorcycle.  Nick was a man who enjoyed the simplicity of life.  He loved being the provider for his family and spending as much time as he could with his loved ones.  Nick was loved by everyone he met and always kept a happy and positive attitude.  He was known for helping anyone he could, whenever he could.  Nick loved all of his family dearly - especially his mom who he called everyday.

Nick’s family includes his mother, Joetta Arnold of Elwood; significant other of 34 years, Tammy Reneau of Elwood; 3 daughters, Amanda Arnold of Raleigh, NC, Alisha Raines of Elwood, and Madison (Raistlin Heady) Arnold of Elwood; sister, Rhoda Groover of Tipton; 3 grandchildren, Star, Alonnah, and Lorelei all of Elwood; special aunt, Ann Allen of Elwood; Tammy’s mother, Fay Brummet of Elwood; 3 nephews, Clint Wilburn of Elwood, Tom (Andrea) Wilburn of Noblesville, and Bryon Arnold of Bluffton; 2 great-nieces, Alexis (Christian) Lawhorn of Kirklin, and Taylan Wilburn of Noblesville; great-nephew, Craig Wilburn of Elwood; special cousin, Diana (Jim) Cook; lifelong friend, Dave (Cindy) Mottweiler; and several extended friends and family members.

Nick was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Arnold; brother, Larry Arnold; brother-in-law, Butch Groover; grandparents, Fred and Viola Coleman, Eva Fleetwood, and Sam and Bernice Arnold; special uncle, Don Allen; and several more aunts and uncles.

Nick’s wishes were to be cremated and his family will have a celebration of life at a later date.   Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood is honored to handle Nick’s arrangements.  Nick’s family would like to thank the Anderson Cancer Center, Heart to Heart Hospice, and all his doctors and nurses, especially Dr. Reddy, for the exceptional care they provided to Nick.  They would also like to thank Todd Nichols and family, Tony, Moyne, and his sister, Rhoda for lovingly taking care of Nick for 3 years during his cancer battle.  His daughters, Amanda and Madison, are also thanked  for caring for him in his final days around the clock at Rhoda’s home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.