Obituary of Rev. James Russell Arnold
Rev. James Russell “Jim” Arnold, age 60, of Shorewood, 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, OH, the son of James Russell and Ruth Esther (nee Neubauer) Arnold, Jr., and was raised in Akron, OH. 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.
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, NC, and Laura Arnold of Cuyahoga Falls, OH; 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, September 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Joliet First Assembly, 1741 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Joliet First Assembly Building Fund, “Beyond Us”, would be appreciated.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
