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James Arnold Obituary
Rev. James Russell "Jim" Arnold, age 60, of Shorewood, Ill. and formerly of Akron, passed away peacefully, Thursday, September 21, 2017 at home, with his loving wife by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer the past five years.
Pastor Jim was born April 10, 1957 in Portsmouth, Ohio, the son of James Russell and Ruth Esther (nee Neubauer) Arnold, Jr., and was raised in Akron, Ohio. He was a graduate of Tallmadge High School, Class of 1975, attended Kent State University, and graduated from Global University.
For over 30 years, he was a minister of Assembly of God churches, serving congregations as Senior Pastor in Ohio, Florida and Illinois. In 2009, he became Senior Pastor of Joliet First Assembly. Prior to joining the ministry, he worked 14 years for Acme Grocery in Akron.
Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He loved following his Cleveland Indians, and had a keen interest in military and American history.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 38 years who he met in Sunday School when they were eight years old, Debbie (nee Walent) Arnold; three children, Catherine (Emiliano) Maciel of Shorewood, Daniel Arnold of Durham, N,C,, and Laura Arnold of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; three grandchildren, Luciana, Luke, and Levi Maciel; his father, James R. Arnold; one sister, Pam (Greg) Dowell; three brothers, David (Jenny) Arnold, Mark Arnold, and Richard (Jen) Arnold; his wife's family; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Arnold, in 2015.
Memorial Services for Rev. Jim Arnold will be held Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Akron First Assembly, 1175 W. Market Street, Akron, Ohio. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Assembly of God World Missions, 1445 North Booneville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802-1894, would be appreciated. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, Ill., is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Arnold
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
August 21, 2018
Hi Debbie,
Bruce here, so very very sorry for your loss, he was so young. I know its hard to go through this but God has his plan and you will be together in paradise. I think on occasion about how you are, you were a good friend to me, and I wish you the same peace in life that I have. Again a lot late, but prayers and thoughts are coming from a lot of people. God bless and keep you.
Bruce
Chris and Karen Taylor
October 7, 2017
Debbie, Mr.Arnold, Pam, Greg, David, Jenny, Mark, Rick, Jen and Arnold family, We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Jimmy. He was a wonderful man. We both have such wonderful memories of the Arnold household with you all together. Our deepest sympathies and prayers to you all. We are sorry we will be unable to attend today, but our hearts will be with you all. Much love, xoxo The Taylor and Genaro families.
David Sitko
October 6, 2017
Cynthia
October 3, 2017
May God sustain you at this time of such great loss Please except my condolence John 5:29
TJ
October 3, 2017
May the God of peace give comfort, support and bless thr family during this difficult timr of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences. Rom.15:33
DG
October 2, 2017
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Though your heart must hold deep sadness, those who share your loss will support and comfort you as God will give you the power and strength to help you through this difficult time. Isaiah 40 : 29
October 1, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I would like to share with you a positive thought from the Bible that had helped me in times of distress.1 Pet 3:7 "while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."
Orlando Johnson
September 30, 2017
I love you Pastor Jim I will miss you. I hope to see you in heaven one day.
September 28, 2017
I'm sorry for your loss Pastor Jim Arnold was a fantastic pastor and will be missed very much love and prayers Clay &Cindy Reddick
Elissa & Carl Hughes II & Family
September 27, 2017
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies, and know that the entire Arnold Family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Rob Wilkin and Family
September 24, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time. Jimmy will be greatly missed and knowing that he is in a better place and doesn't have to suffer anymore. The Arnold family has meant a lot to our family so we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Rose & Jonathan Cooper
September 24, 2017
Dearest Debbie and family. We are deeply sorry for you're loss. Pastor Jim was a wonderful pastor. Pastor Jim was the reason my family and I went to church. He helped us in so many ways and his preaching was so emotional and uplifting. We will never forget pastor Jim. May his soul rest in paradise.
Sincerely
Rose, Jonathan,Jamie,Christine,Madison Cooper & Jason and Moe Johannes.
Tom and Marsha Lambert
September 24, 2017
Dear Debbie and family of Pastor Jim - I am so sorry for your (really all our loss) loss. My wife, Marsha, and I loved Pastor Jim very much. I will always remember how he was so gracious with me after I complained about things. We met for lunch as Pastor assured me of forgiveness and let me know First Assembly of God will always be my church home. What a wonderful example of the love of God, in Christ Jesus, that Pastor Jim is. Regrets that we are traveling on Saturday, the day of the memorial service. We will be with you in love, heart and in prayer.
Cindy and Glenna Vanderground
September 22, 2017
Dear Debbie, So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We loved you and Jim in the Pastoral position at BTA. He had such a heart for God and people, with genuine love and a Servant's heart. We pray Father God will envelope you with His supernatural peace and comfort, surrounding you with much loving support. We love you and are praying for you and the children. With love, Cindy and Glenna Vanderground
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