Mr. James Allen Arnold, 94, passed away on January 7, 2023, in Austin, Texas, surrounded by family. He was born on May 11, 1928, in Franktown, to Herbert Manning (H.M.) Arnold and Hilda Fox Arnold. After graduating from Northampton High School, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in Ft. Worth, Texas. He met the love of his life, Georgia Speliotis Arnold, a nurse in the Air Force, and they were married in 1952.
After leaving the Air Force, Jim spent the rest of his career at Texas Instruments in Richardson, Texas. He and Georgia raised their two children in Garland, Texas, where they were active members of St. David’s Episcopal Church and made lifelong friendships.
Jim and Georgia loved the Eastern Shore of Virginia and seasonally retired there beginning in 1994, before permanently moving there in 1998, where they enjoyed spending time with family and friends on the Chesapeake Bay. In Virginia, Jim and Georgia were active members of Hungars Episcopal Church in Northampton County.
He also volunteered with community ministries, especially Habitat for Humanity. Jim was an avid reader and fixer. His friends and family describe him as very kind and generous (“Mr. Wonderful”) and someone who would do anything for anyone. A few of his favorite places were the Chesapeake Bay, New England, and Austin. He especially loved happy hour on his deck or down at Bayford.
Jim was adored by his grandchildren for many reasons, not the least of which was his positive outlook on life and his sense of humor. He was always engaged and interested in the lives of his family and was a delight to be around. One of his most frequent sayings was, “Tell me, what’s new and exciting in your young life?” He had friends and admirers of all ages and is missed dearly.
He is survived by his daughter, Joanne Arnold Roberts and her husband, Ray Roberts, of Hillsboro, Texas; son, James Allen Arnold Jr. and his wife, Ellen Arnold, of Austin; five grandchildren, Jay Allen Arnold III, Blake Allen Roberts, Kathryn Kyler Arnold, Nicole Eva Bryant, and Kelly Marie Roberts; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Georgia Speliotis Arnold; brothers, Charles Arnold, Soule Arnold, and H.M. Arnold Jr.; and sister, Anne Arnold.
A celebration of life service was held in Austin in February. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22, at 3 p.m. at Hungars Episcopal Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hungars Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 367, Eastville, VA 23347, or the charity of your choice.
Family and friends may sign the guest book at www.hollandfuneralhome.net
Arrangements were made by the Holland Funeral Home at Nassawadox.
