James Frederick Arnold Jr.

**James Frederick Arnold, Jr.**

*August 16, 1937 – September 7, 2026*

James Frederick Arnold, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in Littleton, Colorado, at the age of 89. He was reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Wylene, whom he loved more than words could ever express.

Jim was born August 16, 1937, in Canon City, Colorado, the third child of James Frederick Arnold Sr. and Alpha Maye (Randles) Arnold. His family soon moved to Hardesty, Oklahoma, where he grew up surrounded by a large, close-knit extended family and developed a lifelong love of the land, hard work, and adventure. From the age of four, Jim knew he wanted to fly.

He attended Panhandle State University, where he earned his Bachelor's of Science in Math while working at a local dairy farm to support his studies. It was there he met Wylene Sue "Suzie" Bennett, who worked in the school cafeteria. The two were united in marriage on October 30, 1959.

In July 1960, following graduation, Jim entered officer training with the U.S. Navy, where he became a pilot. His service took him around the world. He served on active duty until 1965, then continued in the Naval Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1972 as a Lieutenant Commander. He went on to a long career as a pilot with United Airlines.

When Wylene was diagnosed with a rare lymphoma in 1972, Jim stood by her with quiet strength through years of treatment, leaning on his faith and the extraordinary community of friends and church family who walked alongside them. That faith — and that generosity — shaped the rest of his life. Jim and Wylene were known for opening their home to others through the years, and for the deep and lasting friendships they built across the country.

Jim and Wylene raised their family with a love of the outdoors — motorcycle trips, camping, harvest seasons spent with family in the Panhandle, and holidays built around tradition and togetherness. In 1976, the family moved to Colorado, settling on five acres in Sedalia where he and Wylene built their dream home.

Jim was a man of quiet strength, mischief, and an unmatched work ethic. He loved bluegrass music, playing guitar, riding motorcycles, and most of all, being "Pa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with whom he made memories out of everyday moments — pumpkin carving, gingerbread houses, Easter egg hunts, and Saturday morning breakfasts.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wylene Sue (Bennett) Arnold; his parents, James Frederick Arnold Sr. and Alpha Maye (Randles) Arnold; his sisters Anna Maye Sowa and Duronda Fredene Arnold; and his brother, Douglas Wayne Arnold.

He is survived by his children, Jimmie Sue (Terry), Barbara (David), and James III; his brother, Danny (Patty) Manning; grandchildren Taylor (Kyrean) and Tanner (JuliAnn); and great-grandchildren Elijah, Connor, Sadie, and Emma.

Rest in peace, Dad. You are where you longed to be, and you are loved more than you will ever know.