James R. Arnold, Sr., 84, of East Petersburg, passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was the husband of Doris M. (Zidik) Arnold.

Born in Lebanon, PA on October 2, 1939, James was a son of the late Albert J. Sr. and Ruth E. (Felty) Arnold. He was a 1957 Graduate of Lebanon High School, where he was very athletic and had letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He played Little League, Teener and American Legion Baseball. He was the co-captain of the football team that held a record for most wins in 1956. He was a 1958 graduate of Columbian Preparatory School and a 1962 graduate of the University of Richmond, where he earned his bachelors degree in accounting and was the Vice President of the Theta Chi Fraternity. Chairman of the Theta Chi Regional Convention; Chairman of the annual Theta Chi Ball, Secretary Treasurer of the Newman Club, and Member of Business School Student Advisory Committee.

James served in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant JG, Engineer Officer. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1957 and graduated from Reserve Officer Candidate School in 1963. He served as an Engineering Officer - Ocean Going Minesweeper (MSO-472 and Executive Officer - Destroyer Escort.

Through his life he worked as a Construction Accountant for ALCOA, a Budget & Cost Manager for Cole Steel, a Plant Manager/Vice President of operations for Spiegel/Bogene Companies, Executive Vice President for Suburban Publishers, and Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer (CFO) for Turkey Hill Dairy. He was a member of St. Mary's Church.  He was past President and Secretary of the Central Pennsylvania Milk Dealers Association, past Business Chairman for Lebanon Catholic Development Fund, and served as church lecturer and usher over the years.

James was a Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan and season ticket holder. He enjoyed tailgating at the Eagles games with his son and friends. Golf, traveling, music, and computer activity were his main interests. He loved taking care of his plush lawn and landscape. His wife was the joy of his life as well as his dogs, Teddy & Molly. The highlight of his life was the 55 day cruise that visited 22 ports.

In addition to his wife, James is survived by a son, James R. Arnold, Jr, husband of Kelly; granddaughter, Ashley J. Arnold; step granddaughter, Eryn Williams; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Albert J. Arnold, Jr. and his wife Hilda.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at St. Mary's Church, 2 N 8th St, Lebanon, PA 17046. Interment with full military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Viewing hours will be held prior to Mass from 9-10 at the church. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.  Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com