James Arnold

GERMANTOWN, Tenn. — James Scott Arnold of Germantown passed away at the age of 69 on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. He was born June 5, 1953, to Thomas Lee and Betty Ramey Arnold in Cape Girardeau.

He grew up in Benton, Missouri, where he was affectionately known as "Jimbo." He earned a degree in agricultural journalism from the University of Missouri in Columbia. During his studies, he traveled extensively through Central America to learn the agricultural specifics of the region. Upon graduation, he moved to Chicago, where he met and married his wife, Cathy. His career featured multiple stops in the areas of journalism and advertising, and ultimately delivered him to Helena Chemical Co., where he worked 25-plus years until his retirement in 2016.

Jim enjoyed a wide array of hobbies. He loved grilling, golfing, gardening, running and landscaping his yard, which frequently earned "Yard of the Month" honors. A constant copy editor who never observed the Oxford comma, he excelled as both a writer and avid photographer. His favorite nights were spent fireside in his living room listening to The Grateful Dead, which served as the soundtrack to his life.

His most cherished role was that of husband and father. He and his wife, Cathy, raised three beautiful children in Germantown. He was known fondly in his family for his quirky sense of humor, tender heart and ability to make every situation seem safe and in control. He was the hardest man to please at restaurants, and he was his children's first call if the weather was getting dicey. He was a dad to many outside of his biological children and always let his loved ones know how proud and full of love he was for them.

In retirement, he never missed an opportunity to go to lunch with his wife in his lifelong pursuit of the perfect eggs over easy and side of French fries. He was loyal to his family, friends and moral convictions. There was never any doubt where he stood on controversial issues, and he enjoyed explaining his position on national and international matters.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy; children, Meghan (Caleb), Matthew (Casey) and Ramey; stepmother, Joyce, of Green Valley, Arizona; brother, Tom (Debora) of Quinton, Alabama; stepsisters, Kim (Jim) of Berthoud, Colorado, and Jennifer of Dallas; and two grandchildren, who knew him as "Pa."

His presence will be missed by all who knew him. He was kind, generous, highly intelligent and strongly committed to his family and friends. His influence and insights will live on in the people who knew him well.

A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association.

Smart Cremation of Memphis, Tennessee, is assisting the family.