James Lee Arnold

James (Jim) Lee Arnold, age 61, passed away peacefully at the Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday March 31, 2024. Jim was born on August 27, 1962, to Wayne and Gertrude Arnold of Cardington, Ohio.

After graduating from Cardington-Lincoln High School in 1980, Jim married the love of his life, Wendy Sue Bowers, and they raised two boys in Cardington, Jason Lee Arnold, and David Joel Arnold. Jim worked for several years at Stahl's Metal Body Products in Cardington, Ohio, Cardington Lincoln Schools, The Ohio State University of Marion, and was currently employed with Dublin City schools.

Jim had a passion for his family, athletics, outdoor activities, and travel. Jim was a devoted Christian and a member of the Cardington Community Methodist Church, sharing his love for the Lord. Jim deeply loved his family, especially his wife, two boys and his six grandchildren. Jim was passionate about enhancing the development of youth, where for many years alongside his best friend, Dan Sparks, he coached the Cardington pony league summer baseball team. Jim also coached the Cardington Lincoln middle school football team, with the help of his son David Arnold. Additionally, Jim touched many lives while working with his coworkers and students at Dublin City schools. Jim received the 2024 Dublin Chamber of Commerce & Dublin City Schools Champion Award. And most recently, Jim was coaching the 1848 Morrow County DAWGS 13U baseball team alongside his son, where the kids referred to Jim as "Coach Grandpa". Jim enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with his Aunt Charlotte.

Jim is survived by his adoring wife of 42 years, Wendy Arnold, child, David (Brittany) Arnold, mother and father, Wayne and Gertrude Arnold, mother-in-law, Belva Bowers, sisters, Cheryl (Dan) Sparks and Diane (Bill) Addington. Brothers-in-law, Dan Bowers (Mary) and Lynn Bowers. grandchildren, Alexis, Brianna, and Levi (Jason), Scarlett, Bryce, and Aubrielle (David). nieces and nephews, Rachell Williamson,
Matthew Williamson (Diane), Ryan Sparks and Nathan Sparks (Cheryl) and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his dog Jake whom he loved dearly.

Jim was preceded in death by his son Jason Arnold (age 34), whom he unconditionally loved today and always. Also preceded in death, father-in-law, Darrell Bowers.

Jim's favorite scripture was 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider his church, the Cardington Community Methodist Church 300 S Marion St, Cardington, OH 43015 or the Kobacker House 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, OH 43214.

Friends may call on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Gompf Funeral Home, 440 Center Street in Cardington. The funeral service will be held Friday, April 5, 2024, at11:00 AM at the Cardington Community Methodist Church with Pastor John Carpenter officiating. Following the service, the burial will take place in the Glendale Union Cemetery.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the Arnold family with Jim's final wishes and condolences may be expressed at www.gompffh.com.