Jimmie Eugene "Jim" Arnold

Jimmie "Jim" Eugene Arnold, 83, of Archie, Missouri, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his home. Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at Christ Fellowship Church of Archie (formerly the First Baptist Church of Archie). Interment in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO. The family suggests contributions to Crescent Hill Cemetery Association.
Born on February 17, 1942, in Butler, MO, to Frank Milton and Linnie Lucile (Osborn) Arnold, Jim spent his formative years in rural Cass County, near Main City. Jim was a 1960 graduate of Archie High School and was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Carole Lynne Hodges on September 1, 1961, at the First Baptist Church in Archie. They made their home in Archie and began raising their family. Jim was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Archie, where he embodied the principles of service and faith for over five decades as a Deacon. He was a stalwart bass in the choir and the biggest fan of the organist (Carole Lynne). His unwavering commitment to his community was further demonstrated through his involvement with the Masonic Lodge in Archie and his roles as an Austin Township Trustee, a School Board Member for Archie Schools (12 years), a Board Member for Crescent Hill Cemetery, and a Senior Housing Board Member.
Before embarking on his impactful career as a Funeral Director, Jim began his professional life in the automotive industry. From 1961 to 1979, he was the parts and service manager at Marvin Burris Ford Sales and later at GR Milner Ford Sales. Jim worked all day and ran the farm all night, only taking Sundays off. He found his true calling in 1980 when he became a funeral director at the Atkinson Funeral Home, managing the Adrian, MO, chapel. He dedicated 28 years to serving families during their most difficult times until his retirement in 2008.
Jim attended a one-room schoolhouse at Main City and read every book in the Drexel library. He grew up exploring the woods and streams of Cass County on the edge of Amarugia and would later travel the world. He was enterprising from a young age, learning carpentry from his father, hunting at 11 years old with his beloved dogs at night to search for marketable hides, and working at the local rock quarry (including placing and setting off dynamite in quarry caves). Jim collected rattles from rattlesnakes that met their demise at the Arnold farm. He had a good sense of humor and never took himself too seriously. Jim enjoyed golf, music, comic books, sports, and mowing and shared these passions with his kids and grandkids.
Intrigued by new frontiers, Jim and Carole Lynne traveled to all 50 states and to several foreign countries. As steady streams of friends and family visited their home, Jim flashed his signature smile and shared stories. Jim's easy-going nature reflected his love for his family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Carole Lynne Arnold; daughters: April Clark (Travis), Anne Arnold (Amber), and Erin Kendall; grandchildren: Kendra Woodward (Adam), Mallory Patton (Nathan), Brooke Hofer (Casey), Samantha and Ryan Kendall, Gavin Clark, Mallory Clark-Younis (Sheryar), and Alisyn Clark Cardwell (Hunter); great-grandchildren: Piper and Audrey Woodward, Buckner and Huxlee Patton, Jack Hofer, Parker Sharp, Dewan Younis, and Kellen Clark; sister-in law, Virginia (Hodges) Smith; brother-in-law, Donald Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jim leaves a legacy of compassion, community service, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.