On Friday, June 26, 2020, James L. Arruebarrena (Jim, Jimmy) went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jim’s passing was at Ochsner Hospital with his loving wife Janet Amedee Arruebarrena and family at his side. He was born on July 4th, 1952 in New Orleans to Marcel and Doris Arruebarrena. He had two brothers, Kenneth Arruebarrena (wife, Lynn) and Dennis Arruebarrena (wife, Janet #1), and one sister, Marilyn Arruebarrena. Jim had four amazing sons with Dian Tooley-Knoblett. They are James M. Arruebarrena, Alexander M. Arruebarrena, Michael N. Arruebarrena, and Christopher D. Arruebarrena. Jim had a great love for his stepson and family, Vincent Catalanotto, Jr. (wife, Heather), and he was “Papa Jim” to Lucca Rose, and Vincent III. Jim had a beautiful and loving marriage with his beloved wife Janet for 20 years.
Jim’s first career was in sales for South Central Bell and other telecommunication companies to follow. He was a smart and persuasive salesman. He could talk you into buying anything! On May 5, 1993, Jim graduated from Loyola University School of Law with a Juris Doctor and honors distinction from the Loyola Law Review. Jim’s law practice (James L. Arruebarrena, L.L.C.) specialized in plaintiff employment law. He referred to himself as the “Equalizer,” helping those who were bullied, discriminated against, or wrongfully terminated by their employer.
Jim was a member of Celebration Church, Metairie, LA for over 20 years and served on the Administrative Committee of Celebration. Jim accepted Jesus Christ into his heart as his Lord and Savior in October 1999. Jim’s passions were his faith, his family, politics, Facebook, and music. He advocated strongly for pro-life causes. He was a friend of Bill W. and helped many members along their journeys to recovery.
In 2008, Jim was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and had a bone marrow transplant donated by his loving sister Marilyn. He has had many medical complications since that time. Jim experienced many miracles along his health journey, aided by his faith and his unwavering positive attitude and humor. God blessed us all with twelve extra years to love and enjoy Jim. Jim was loved by everyone for who he was, including his wit, kindness, and charm. He was a peacemaker and a mediator. He was especially loved for his funny sayings. “What’s your malfunction?” was one of his favorites. When you asked him his malfunction, he would respond, “living apart from Jesus!”
He will be remembered and missed forever.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial gathering at Celebration Church, 2001 Airline Drive in Metairie on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 beginning at 9:30 AM with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions in Mr. Arruebarrena’s memory may be sent to Declaring Truth Ministries: https://www.declaringtruth.com/donate?fbclid=IwAR2CNKMr6w00KY1DYBgmUpdwXMfOSMEPX5Lfx9H7Z4FgUZe1r_fJ56Mnj84
The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.
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