James (Jim) Arkins
Born: March 1, 1948
Died: February 10, 2026
James (Jim) Arkins, 77, of Spring Valley, passed away after a courageous battle with leukemia on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The funeral Mass of Christian burial for Jim will begin at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 17, at the Nativity of Our Lord Parish (St. Anthony Church) in Spring Valley. The Reverend Scott Potthoff will officiate, and burial will follow at St. Vincent's Cemetery in LaSalle. Visitation for Jim will be held at the Barto Funeral Home, Spring Valley, on Monday, February 16, from 4-7 PM, as well as 9-9:30 AM on Tuesday morning.
Jim was born in LaSalle on March 1, 1948, to James E. and Emily (Hybki) Arkins. He married his IVCC sweetheart, Patricia (Pat) Mathieson on September 23, 1972, at Holy Family Church in Oglesby.
He was a graduate of St. Bede Academy and Drake University, where he earned his pharmacy degree. He began his career at St. Margaret's Hospital in Spring Valley and continued to care for his patients in various hospital and community settings until his retirement.
Jim was an active member at Nativity of Our Lord where he was an usher and enjoyed twisting ravioli with fellow parishioners. He also volunteered with Pat at the Hall Township Food Pantry and also served on the board at the Spring Valley Library. He could often be found in the summer at a car show with his GTO or working on his model train layout. He was a die-hard fan of the Chicago White Sox, and enjoyed adventuring to destinations both home, which included all 50 states, and abroad with his better half.
Most of all, Jim relished spending quality time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. Papa was the master of making root beer floats, strategizing at Scattergories, and reading up on the latest novels at Barnes and Noble (the children's section was a mandatory stop).
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Pat. Together they raised two daughters: Christine (Jim) Joyce of Minnesota and Susan (Tej) Parikh of Virginia; his three grandchildren: James Joyce and Sophie and Parker Parikh; brothers: Jack (Beth), Terry (Laurie), Dan (Marilyn) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents (James and Emily) and his infant son, Michael James.
In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider making a donation in Jim's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Bede Academy, or the Hall Township Food Pantry.
A guestbook may be signed and memories shared with the family by visiting bartofh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune on Feb. 14, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for James Arkins

Sponsored by Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley.

14 Entries

Greg and Naomi Philipaitis

February 16, 2026

I first met Jim over 62 years ago. We had all of our classes together freshman year at St. Bede and many others later on. A lot of challenges and demands then but Jim helped us all to keep the big picture in mind. A sense of humor helped! Even then Jim had the travel bug- periodic trips to Chicago on the train ( 1st stop in the Loop was always the model train stores on Madison St.) In 1968 Jim, Dave L. and flew to LA and stayed in Venice Beach at his cousin’s townhouse. Quite a different scene! Over the years Jim and I saw each other periodically at reunions or a get together. Always a pleasure to see him. Also enjoyed the many pictures of Jim with the grandchildren on FB as well as the occasional phone call.

Our deepest sympathies to Pat and family.

Nora Fesco

February 16, 2026

So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. My condolences to Pat and your extended family.

Maryhelen Bidasio

February 16, 2026

Dearest Pat and family, my deepest sympathy on your loss, wish I could make it in person to give you a hug but you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bruce Hadley

February 16, 2026

So grateful to have known Jim during college. In thinking about him, this Maya Angelou quote came to me, "...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I don't remember any one thing Jim said or did, but will always remember who he was. Kind, sincere, warm, caring. A ready smile. Humble, yet lively, and always ready for fun, as our makeshift group from the dorm created a sense of family, brotherhood and fraternity. Simply the best.

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John Stopa

February 15, 2026

I am sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. I have known him as a fellow model railroader and a member of the LS&BC RR club. My condolences to his wife and family. May God bless with our thoughts and prayers, may he rest in peace.

February 15, 2026

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Garyand Lana Peterlin

February 14, 2026

Jim was a gentleman. We extend her sincere thoughts and prayers to Pat and the family during this difficult time. Jim always had a friendly hello and smile. Jim was the kind of person we all need more of around us.Gary and Lana Peterlin

Kathy Schlegle

February 13, 2026

Jim was a great person. I worked with Jim at St.Margaret’s Hospital Pharmacy . Jim always had a big smile every time you would see and we would reminisce of the fun times we had at St.Margaret’s. Pat I am so sorry for you and your families loss and are in my thoughts and prayers.

The Original Zoo....Jim was always our dependable 'base' there, as in life in general then and since for his family and friends

Alan Sherman

February 13, 2026

David Liesse

February 13, 2026

Good memories of Jim since our St. Bede days. Warm thoughts and sincere prayers to Pat and the family.

Molly Thrasher

February 12, 2026

Thoughts and prayers.Always enjoyed seeing you both at the food pantry.

Alan Sherman

February 12, 2026

I have known my dear friend Jim, and his family, since Jim and I were Drake students starting in 1968, and I have always felt blessed to have his caring, supportive, blessed friendship for all of my life since then to date! I have prayed daily for him and his family since the beginning of his recent health challenges and those of before. Indeed, I will miss our annual phone calls placed to one another on our individual birthdays. Now, I pray that the fonder memories will be a blessing for his family and friends, and serve to comfort, strengthen, heal, and afford peace for all.

Carol Maltas

February 12, 2026

My sincere sympathy. Jim was a great guy. I worked with him at St. Margaret’s hospital for many years and lately at Nativity of Our Lord parish making ravioli. He will be remembered and missed by many. Prayers for his lovely family. God Bless.

Karen swain

February 12, 2026

Jim was like a brother to me had morning coffee together for many years at St Margaret’s Hospital. I regret I will not be able to come and tell him goodbye because of my own illness at this time. My heart prayers & tears are with you all. ❤Blessings to you all. Karen Swain

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