James Arnett

M. James "Jim" Arnett

age 90, of New Paris, Ohio went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on September 1, 2024. He was born on March 19, 1934, to Lester Raymond Arnett and Nellie Ruth (Upton) Arnett in New Paris, Ohio. He graduated from Jefferson High School, the same school where he met his future wife, Leatrice "Lee" Joyce Muckridge, at a 50/50 dance. They were married on July 13, 1952. Their faith and love carried them through 63 years of marriage. Jim and Lee raised two children and loved spending time with their grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Jim became Lee's caregiver from the time she was homebound with Alzheimer's until her death in 2015. Jim later married Mary Ann (Caplinger) Kirker-Centers, a lifelong friend, in 2016. They enjoyed each other's companionship during their twilight years.

Jim worked at Ahaus Tool & Die and several other shops for over 20 years. In 1978, he started his own business, Arnett Tool, Inc. He worked there until retiring to care for his wife at home. He was a member of Covenant of Peace Church in Eaton, serving on the executive board for many years. Jim could often be found washing dishes after an event. He also served on the New Paris Council, New Paris Fire Department, New Paris Chamber of Commerce, and New Creations Christian Center board. If you ever visited Jim's home, you knew of his love for clocks. He was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors for 67 years. He enjoyed collecting clocks and traveling around the country to attend clock meetings. He also attended many Cincinnati Reds games and spent countless evenings on his front porch listening to and cheering them on from home. He carried Hershey’s Kisses with him and was known to greet those around him with a ‘Kiss’.

In addition to his parents, Lester Raymond (1982) and Nellie Ruth (Upton) Arnett (2006), he was preceded in death by his wife, Leatrice Arnett (2015), an infant daughter Vicky LaVonne Arnett (1957), brothers, Robert Arnett (2019), Myron Arnett (1999), Duane Arnett (2002) and infant (1929), sister Ruth Arnett (1942). He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Kirker-Centers of Eaton, OH; son, Steven (Crystal) Arnett of Liberty, SC, daughter, Stefanie (Philip) Price of Eaton, OH; Stepson Randy (Mary Jane) Kirker; grandchildren, Jeromy (Chari) Arnett and Shawn Arnett of Liberty, SC, Rebecca (Kelly) Pruss of Stanley, WI, and BJ (Cathy) Price of Eaton, OH; great-grandchildren, Lillie Arnett, Alex, Matthew, Anna, & Emily Pruss, and Jimmy, Sammy, & Johnny Price; step-great-grandchild, Emily Smith; sisters Janice Miller of Greenfield, IN and Janet Arthur of Eaton, OH.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his many clock friends, church friends, and staff of Ohio's Hospice of Dayton who helped comfort and encourage him in his last days.

The family will receive friends and family on Thursday, September 12 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Covenant of Peace International Ministries, 4745 State Route 127 North, Eaton. The funeral service will be immediately following the visitation with Pastor Kenny Harbaum and Pastor Raymond Rothwell officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to COPI Ministries. Burial will be in Spring Lawn Cemetery, New Paris.