AUSTINTOWN - James E. Arden Jr., 84, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, Nov. 16, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

James was born Aug. 19, 1941, in Dobra, W.Va., a son of the late James E. Arden Sr. and Thelma Ruth Golf Arden, and lived in the Youngstown area for most of his life.

He was a 1959 graduate of Sherman High School in West Virginia and proudly served in the United States Army as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division.

Jim loved airplanes and enjoyed building model planes, and he also liked spending time outdoors fishing and camping. He was an avid and loyal fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Jim leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Charlene L. (Gene) Johnson of Youngstown; his son, James M. Arden of Youngstown; four grandchildren, Courtney Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Erin Johnson and Elijah Arden; two great-grandchildren, Coen and Callie; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Arden of Youngstown; and his sister, Brenda Peter of California.

His wife of nearly 53 years, Sandra K. "Sandy" Jarrell Arden, whom he married Jan. 29, 1965, passed away Dec. 27, 2020. A sister, Sharon Volchko, also preceded him in death.

Family and friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Interment with military honors will follow at Brunstetter Cemetery in Austintown, where Jim will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Sandy.