James “Big Jim” Louis Arata, born July 8, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio, went peacefully to be with the Lord on April 7, 2024, after an extended hospitalization and then home, following heart surgery. James bravely fought the good fight, kept the faith and has a crown of righteousness laid up for him in Glory.
He exuded simple wisdom and always had a word of encouragement, a wise saying and a kind word for all who met him. He would often mention his Italian heritage. If you knew him, you knew his radiant smile! James loved fishing, hunting, boating and camping. Some of his children’s favorite memories are of the camping trips and vacations that he faithfully took them on every year. He loved his family, his friends and his church. He loved riding his Harley— especially when Janie was riding with him. Up until the last year, almost every day, Jim could be found working at his church, volunteering to mow grass, plow snow, change lightbulbs and just generally ensure that everything was in good working order.
Big Jim could tell you the number of days that he was without his precious wife of over 50 years, who passed on before him in 2011. He was a faithful husband, strong father, grandfather and great-grandfather who adored his family and prayed for all of us every night before he went to bed.
James started working at General Motors-Fisher Body Plant in 1961, and retired in 1993 as a millwright, after 32 years of service. He celebrated 31 years of retirement as of March 1, 2024.
He was a Charter Member, Board Member and Elder of Abundant Life, where he selflessly gave to help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed by the incredible numbers of people he loved and who loved and respected him.
He is survived by his three children, Jilline (James) of Lewisburg, PA, James II (Treva) of Mansfield, Jacinta (Jeremy) of Mansfield; his nine grandchildren, Janna Bond (Graham), Andrea Arata Wisor (John), James Bond II (Fania), Keith Burd II (Emily), Anthony Arata (Christen), Kolton Burd (Hannah), Jamison Bond (Camille), Seth Price (Ariah), Jared Price (Kristen); his fifteen great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Ellie, James III, Robert, Jarob, Maximus, Kolson, Ryder, Leo, Nina Renae, Landyn, Oakleigh, Jorgie Irene, Emery Grey, and Lucy, with two more on the way. He is also survived by his youngest brother, Steve Arata (Michelle).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Irene (Porter); his parents, James and Doris (Spain) Arata; and brother, Joseph Arata.
His family wishes to thank all of their friends who have been in constant prayer for them along with the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for him in the past four months at OhioHealth and Cleveland Clinic.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. His Homegoing service, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Kenneth Ginter, will be held at his home church, Abundant Life, 1085 Bedford Blvd., Ontario, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in Mansfield Cemetery. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Abundant Life in honor of Big Jim’s faithfulness and love for his church.
