James Arlen Mondy

1948 - 2024

James Arlen Mondy, 76, of Harrison, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
He was born to James Walter and Louise Vida Mondy on September 8, 1948, in Harrison, Arkansas. Arlen was the middle of three children on the farm. With his older sister Marilynn and younger brother Dale, they were all thicker than thieves.
After graduating from Valley Springs High School in 1966, Arlen was drafted into the US Army just four years later. He entered the military in April of 1968 as a (71H20), a Personnel Specialist, and served in the United States Army Europe (USAEUR) Signal Battalion and achieved the rank of SP5, or Spec 5.
Honorably discharged two years later, Arlen returned home to help on the farm. He married Debbie S. Carpenter in the winter of 1971 and was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Rene (Mondy) Barbier and Michelle (Mondy) Abbott. Although they divorced in 1977, their relationship stayed close to support their daughters.
His love story with Janet Kay Bell, was one for the books. They met and married in Grandview Missouri on April 8, 1978. Janet was already blessed with two daughters, Aleisha Campbell and Angela Roberts, so it was a full house, but Arlen loved every second of it. A few shorts years later they were blessed with their own son, James Luke Mondy.
Arlen worked at the White Rodgers Division of Emerson in Harrison. He always had a smile or story ready and considered himself good friends with every single co-worker.
Farm raised and corn fed, Arlen enjoyed every minute of farming. He loved his cows and took pride in his work. He was known for being one of the best tool and die makers. Humbly earning awards such as 3rd place at the State Machine Show Competition. When working in Kansas as a machinist, his parts were installed on an actual space shuttle orbiting today.
In 2003, Arlen had a terrible tractor accident that resulted in his retirement many years later, although never slowing him down.
Affectionately called pawpaw, Arlen Mondy was, by far, the best pawpaw of all time. To say he cherished his family would be an understatement. He adored each one of his grandchildren with such devotion and pride. Fishing at the pond, going for a ride to check on the cows, playing softball or just horsing around in general was all pawpaw wanted to do. His extended family of nieces and nephews were treated just as precious.
He was a devoted Christian and member of Union Baptist church. A dedicated Camp Jack Bingo player, he had a 'reserved' seat alongside all his friends at the table. He loved so deeply and was beyond proud of his family. Arlen never knew a stranger, was quick with a smile and will be missed more than words can say.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Louise Mondy and his brother, Dale Oliver Mondy.
Arlen is survived by his wife, Janet K. Mondy; daughters Rene Mondy-Barbier, Michelle Mondy-Abbott, Aliesha Campbell, Angela Roberts and son James Luke Mondy; 11 grandchildren; 6 nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and dear friends.
A memorial visitation will be Friday, October 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 19 at 2:30 p.m. at Coffman Funeral home, with a graveside service and burial with military honors at White Church Cemetery in Gaither, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be Arlen's grandchildren, Ethan Roberts, Abby Mondy, Austin Mondy – Abbott, Ian Barbier, Zak Barbier and Brennan Campbell.
Honorary pallbearers will be longtime friend and neighbor, Charlie Estes and cousin and fellow veteran, Tom Brown.
In his memory, flowers can be sent to Coffman Funeral Home. Donations can also be made to the Jack Williams Veterans Resource Center, Camp Jack, of Harrison.