James "Jim" William Arnett

He was born on June 20, 1932, in Bloomington, Illinois to James W. and Lillia (Robbins) Arnett. Jim married Donna Doty on July 1, 1957, in Peoria, Illinois. She passed away on April 9, 2008.

Jim was also preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Tina Marie Arnett; and two sons, Brad William Arnett and Vel Kevin Arnett; three siblings; Kenneth Finsterle, Alverta Britton, and Shirley Waughop.

He is survived by his two daughters; Charlene Worden of Peoria and Jane (Richard) Smith of East Peoria; eight grandchildren; Jennifer Arnett, Christina Arnett, Jamie Thomas, Ashley (Jason) Berndt, Chelsie (Freddie) Phillips, Kirstie Arnett (Jason) Overton, Richard L. Smith, and Jessica Smith; several great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Jim volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

He worked from the time he was a young boy to help his family. He worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 30 years retiring in 1981. He almost always worked two jobs. One job that the whole family participated in was a country paper route delivering the Peoria Journal Star. During his retirement years he worked for National Garages. He finally retired completely in 2008 when his wife Donna passed away.

Jim enjoyed playing basketball, baseball and swimming when he was a young boy. He continued that tradition with his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful, loving father and family man who participated in, attended, and transported all of his children and grandchildren to their activities, including church, school, sports, and dance. He also coached Brad and Vel in baseball.

He loved playing bingo and watching the horse races, especially the Kentucky Derby. He gathered with his family at every available opportunity where we played games and cards. He taught pinochle to all of his children and any grandchildren that were willing to learn. It is a family favorite.

Funeral services for Jim will be on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, with Pastor Jeff Anderson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Parkview Cemetery.

Online tributes and condolences may be submitted to davisonfulton.com.