James "Jim" L. Arnold Sr.

James L. ‘Jim’ Arnold, Sr., age 70, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 13, 2023. Jim was born on May 28, 1952 in Lewiston, Idaho to James and Janice (Harrington) Arnold. He graduated from Pea Ridge High School in Pea Ridge, Arkansas. In 1972, Jim met and married Sarah Mustain. They had two children, Jim and Amanda. He was trained by his dad in masonry, and later began Clear Co Masonry. His lifelong love of music became a big part of his life. Jim was an accomplished musician and played with the Gaskin Switch Band for many years. He and the band played at Cowboys in Afton, Oklahoma for 20 years. He opened a very popular night spot, J.R. Spanky’s, which he operated from 2008 to 2015. He co-owned the Wagon Wheel in Jay early in his career, and this is where he met Vicky, his second wife, and they had one son, Rusty. Jim also owned a recording studio and recorded live productions in Grove in the ‘80’s. He was passionate about his music, and greatly enjoyed playing his bass guitar and singing. Jim was a big guy, who was larger than life with his dynamic personality and inviting smile. His handshake was his word, and he always did his best to meet his promises. He was friendly and outgoing, and to know him was to become his friend. Jim loved Grand Lake and never missed an opportunity to go fishing or spend time with his grandkids. He enjoyed making people laugh with his funny and comical antics from time to time. Jim will be greatly missed by his family, friends, fellow musicians, and acquaintances. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jeff Arnold. Left to cherish his memory, his three children, Jim (Adrian) Arnold Jr. of Grove, Oklahoma, Amanda (Eric) Duffey of Dedham, Maine, and Rusty (Tiffany) Arnold of Olathe, Kansas; his grandchildren Trace, Borin, Ayden, Olivia, Beck, Vera, Mason and James; his brother Russell Arnold of Grove, and sister Ruth (Tom) Wallace of Seattle, Washington. A memorial service for Jim will be at 2 pm on Sunday April 16, 2023 at Nichols-Stephens Funeral Chapel. The family requests that donations be made to Good Shepherd Hospice in his memory. Arrangements entrusted to Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services, Grove, OK.

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James "Jim" L. Arnold Sr.

May 28, 1952 - April 13, 2023