- Born on: February 13, 1953
- Departed on: November 15, 2012
Jimmy L. Arnell
Jim, it's hard to believe you are not with us here on earth any more. Thanksgiving was not the same...we all know how much you love the Thanksgiving meal. I wanted to include some things that were accidentally left out of your obituary: Jim leaves behind a son, Jamie, who we believe lives in or around Newton, Iowa. Jamie was born to Jim and his ex-wife, Ruth, whose current last name is not known. We have not seen or heard from Jamie or Ruth since she left him many years ago. [Ruth, if you find this message, please give one of us a call]. It is also believed that Jim had a daughter who was never allowed to be a part of his life; unfortunately, we did not get the chance to meet or get to know her either; we don't even know her name or the name of her birth mother--maybe Mary? We mustn't forget that Jim served in the Army during the Vietnam war. What a terrible experience it must have been and I know it affected him mentally as well as physically. Jim did not talk about his experiences in Vietnam, at least not to me, until just recently when he was in the care center, I started asking him questions and he was kind enough to share some of his experiences with me. I wish I could have learned more. Everyone should know that Jim's illness was not caused by any fault of his own. He developed an infection after a mass was removed from his colon back in January 2012. The infection, which for legal reasons I will not elaborate on, caused Jim to become paralyzed from the waist down, eventually becoming clinically quadruplegant. No more guitar playing which was his one escape from all his problems and something that made him proud of himself; no more driving his car to Hy-Vee to have coffee with his friends or to help someone move or take his beloved pets to the vet. No more cuddling with his wife at night or sleeping in his own bed. Jim went from the ICU in Iowa City to St. Luke's a couple of different times, back to the care center in Marion, Iowa, back to the hospital and to the ICU at St. Luke's where he ultimately passed away peacefully. I was with Jim when he passed. He got to enjoy some popsicles before he passed (that I fed to him), as he made a special request for these. He knew he was ready to go after eating the last two grape popsicles. He even got to watch [listen] to the Three Stooges which ironically came on the TV as I sat quietly next to him during those last few hours in the early morning of Thursday, Nov. 15th. I even laughed aloud a few times watching those nimcumpoops (sp), and I have a feeling Jim was laughing inside, too. Jim passed away at about 5:20 am on November 15, 2012. He did not feel any pain, he was in a deep sleep. I can only hope he is in heaven with Mom, Dad, Richard, Phillip, Judy, sister-in-law Sue, Grandma and Grandpa Rick, Grandma and Grandpa Arnell, his dog Ricky, Pep, Tina, Fluffy, Skip, Lamont, and Sandy, and the rest of the many pets he loved and cared for, and the rest of our relatives whom have passed on. Aren't they all in for a treat when he pulls out that golden guitar and sings gospel songs and church hymns, as well as Cat Stevens, Harry Chapin, and The Beatles' songs. We love you, Jim. Take care and we will see you later. Yuk-yuk-yuk...whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo-oh, wise guy, huh?? Love, your sister, Jane Ann 11/23/2012
I am so sorry for all of Jim’s family and friends. I worked with him at the Duane Arnold nuclear plant. Jim was always a joy to be around and work with. We were one big family. My deepest sympathies to everyone who cared for Jim.
I am so sorry for your loss of your brother. My prayers are with you and your family.
