James A. Arnold, Jr. passed away peacefully at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, May 16, 2015 surrounded by his family and Hospice Care. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Clarke Arnold, and his grandson, David Alexander Arnold.

Jim was born in Martinsville, VA on October 6, 1924. After he completed high school in Fieldale, VA he entered the Navy in 1943 and served in the South Pacific aboard the USS Berrien as a Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class. After leaving the Navy in 1946, he attended Gupton Jones Mortuary School located at Vanderbilt University and for many years was a licensed Funeral Director. After moving to Gainesville, FL in 1961, he spent many years in the insurance business, apartment rental business and the industrial supply business.

For 40 plus years he was a missionary for the Baptist Association and served as an organizer of disaster relief missions throughout the Caribbean and South America. He graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Divinity at the age of 74 and was an Ordained Baptist Minister for the remainder of his life. He and his wife, Mary, were members of the Northwest Baptist Church where they were involved in most every aspect of their church.

Jim is survived by two sons that live in Gainesville, FL. Eugene Arnold (wife, Patty Arnold), granddaughters, Angie Arnold, Kelli Greene (husband, Bo Greene); great grandsons, Cole Smithers, Jackson Greene, and Grant Greene, and a great granddaughter, Taylor Greene. James A. Arnold, III (wife, Peggy Arnold), granddaughter Emily Arnold Cash (husband, Kevin Cash), great granddaughters, Camden Cash, Ella Cash, and great grandson, Jacob David Cash. He is also survived by his brother Bob Arnold (wife, MaryLou); and his “adopted” daughter, Marie Lynn.

A viewing will take place on Wednesday May 20, 2015 at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FLfrom 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. and the funeral service will be at Northwest Baptist Church, 5514 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL, Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.