Major Jimmy Royce Arnold

1937 - 2025

Major Jimmy Royce Arnold, U.S. Army, Ret, of Oakwood, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers.

Jim proudly served his country for 22 years-four years in the United States Navy and eighteen years in the United States Army, retiring in 1981. A decorated helicopter pilot, he served two tours in Vietnam. After his military career, Jim worked for the U.S. Post Office and later as the Northeast Georgia Regional Director of Training for the Georgia Department of Corrections, retiring in 1999.

As a dedicated veteran and community member, Jim was a proudly affiliated with the Masonic Lodge 212 of Flowery Branch, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). He played an instrumental role in the development and preservation of Rock Creek Veterans Park in Gainesville, Georgia.

Born on October 31, 1937, in Pineview, Georgia, Jim was the son of Thomas Lyman Arnold and Stella Lee Conner Arnold. He was raised in Hawkinsville, Georgia, and traveled throughout his military career, settling in Oakwood. Throughout his life, Jim always remained devoted to his family, country, and community.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Marvin, Thelbert, and Ed; nephews Mike, Randall, Tony, and Eddie; niece Angie Brock; and many cherished family, friends, and fellow soldiers whom he never forgot.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Ella Arnold; children Denise (Joe) Jones and Steve (Sheryl) Arnold; grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Da", Zack Arnold and family (Rebecca, Ella, and Fischer), Julie Williams and family (Matthew and Eli), and Dusty Arnold; step-granddaughter Jessica Martin and family (Cecil, along with several great and great-great grandchildren); and many beloved extended family and friends who will cherish his memory, laughter, and stories.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. Visitation will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504. The service will be officiated by Pastor Bert Arnold.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Oakwood VA Clinic, Rasmussen Home Care (Roswell, GA), Servants Hands (Lula, GA), and Inspire Hospice and Palliative Care (Gainesville, GA) for the compassionate care they provided during Jim's most challenging days. He always remained humble and appreciative.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Inspire Hospice and Palliative Care, 906 Interstate Ridge Drive, Suite A2, Gainesville, GA 30501, in honor of Jim's memory.