James Arnold

James "Jim" Arnold, a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, coach and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2025, due to natural causes.

Born on Aug. 11, 1944 in Benton Harbor, he was a pillar in his community, known for his loving, selfless and generous spirit. Jim's early life in Benton Harbor laid the foundation for a lifetime of dedication to others. He was the cherished son of the late Edmund and Esther (Bisnett) Arnold and grew up alongside his sister, Virginia Haffner, currently of Lebanon, Ohio.

After graduating from Benton Harbor High School, Jim's passion for education led him to Andrews University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in education. On Sept. 8, 1966, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Linda J. Gathright, in a heartfelt ceremony in Benton Harbor. Their union was a testament to enduring love, celebrated for more than 59 years. The couple was blessed with two daughters: Sonya (Jody) Martinez of Charlotte, N.C., and Allison (Jefferson) Clay of South Bend, Ind. They, along with their mother, Linda (Gathright) Arnold of Niles, survive him. Jim's legacy includes four granddaughters, all of whom he adored, as well as a great-grandchild on the way; Hannah (Derek) Orndorff, Alexi (Jonathan) Mpanzu, Josalyn (Kade) Vander Molen and Abbie Clay.

Jim's vocational journey was marked by a 38-year tenure with Niles Community Schools, where he was revered as a coach, teacher and mentor. His influence extended beyond the classroom as he touched the lives of countless student athletes on the basketball court, softball field and in track and field. Even in his leisure, he found joy in painting houses during summer breaks. A devout Christian, Jim was deeply involved in his faith community. He was a longstanding member of First Baptist Church in Niles, serving as an usher and trustee. In later years, he was a member of St. Mark Missionary Church in Mishawaka, Ind., where his presence was a blessing to many.

Jim's interests were as diverse as they were passionate. He coached various sports, including girls' basketball, softball, boys' basketball and track and field. His love for running and fitness was paralleled only by his enthusiasm for collecting sports memorabilia. As an avid sports fan, he cheered wholeheartedly for the Detroit Lions, University of Michigan football and basketball, Chicago White Sox and the Boston Celtics. Yet, above all, his faith and family remained the cornerstones of his life.

A time of visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at St. Mark Missionary Church, 55240 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka. A private interment will be held in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. In keeping with Jim's passion for education, a scholarship is being established in his honor. Memorial contributions to this may be made to Brown Funeral Home at 521 E. Main St., Niles, MI 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, www.BrownFuneralHome Niles.com.

Jim Arnold was a man of great integrity, whose impact on the world was as profound as it was heartfelt. His influence as a coach and educator will live on in the many lives he helped shape. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the community he so faithfully served. Jim's life was a testament to the power of kindness, dedication, and the enduring strength of love. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by all who had the privilege to know him.