James Manning Arnold

Heaven gained another believer on May 25, 2023, when James Manning Arnold drew his final breath. Jim was born to Laura Ruth Bradbury Arnold and James Franklin Arnold in the family house at 625 Chestnut Street in Middleport, OH on May 4, 1929. Jimmy, as he was then known, was raised by his maternal grandmother, Nanny, in a home on Powell Street, also in Middleport. He attended the Middleport Schools, obtaining a letterman’s jacket in high school and graduating with a class of twenty-nine students in 1947.

Jim was drafted and trained as an Army infantry soldier during the Korean War. The hand of God plucked him from a military vehicle as he was shipping out for Korea because the brass learned he was more skilled as a typist than as an infantryman. Jim went to Germany to type paperwork on a Royal rather than to Korea to target patrols with a rifle. It was a far better outcome for all, especially as there may have been a later calling in life for him.

When Jim returned to Ohio after the war, he enrolled in Rio Grande College where he met his wife, Gloria. They married in 1954. They relocated to West Virginia where they both obtained their master’s degrees in education from Marshall University. They lived in Mulberry, Ohio for several years and were active in the Mulberry Church of Christ and then, because Jim was teaching on the western side of Cincinnati, they relocated to Bridgetown where they lived until 2000.

While living in Cincinnati, Jim, Gloria, and daughters were active in the Bridgetown Church of Christ. Jim was a Deacon, was on the Monday night calling team, served communion to the sick and shut ins, mowed the church lawn, and was always at the front door shaking hands on Sunday. However, Jim’s greatest service at Bridgetown was opening his home to the many who needed a meal, a bed, an ear, or a hug…especially the many young men without a father or without a father of faith. This is why we believe the hand of God lifted him from that infantry truck. 

Jim Arnold worked in both Ohio and Kentucky public schools, teaching many courses and ages, but notably special education and home-bound hospital instruction. After retirement, he and Gloria ventured across the United States in their RV to participate in the Habitat for Humanities Caravanners activities, building homes for others. They participated in the first inter-generational Habitat for Humanities build.

In 2000 the Arnolds moved to Johnson City, TN to be near their grandsons. Jim and Gloria became active members of the Boones Creek Christian Church. 

In 2018, Jim went to Virginia and Washington, DC on an Honor flight trip to visit the memorials honoring those who have served the United States. Jim loved his country and was proud of having served it. Jim Arnold was a humble, unassuming man and took immense pleasure in simple things. He enjoyed reading, writing poetry, walking, receiving mail, and lending a helping hand. In April 2022 WJHL recognized his service as a Veteran, which made him incredibly happy.