Henry Arnold James

Mr. Henry Arnold James was born in Jacksonville, Florida on May 9,1934, to Mr. Willie S. James and Mrs. Leona James. He was reared in the church through Tabernacle Baptist Institutional Church. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.

A product of Jacksonville’s public schools, Arnold graduated from Stanton High School in 1952. He furthered his education at Florida Memorial College (FMC), on a basketball scholarship, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. At FMC, he was an all-around student- class president, drama club member, student athlete, and a charter member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. In later years, he studied at Jacksonville University, University of Florida, University of Wisconsin, and Edward Waters College.

Arnold served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1957-1959. While there, he played basketball, soccer, and baseball. A gifted athlete, he won championships in most.

Arnold met, adored, and married Bernice Toby; they had one daughter, Stephanie.

Arnold worked as a public-school educator for over 30 years. He worked at Davis Street/ Isaiah Blocker, Darnell Cookman, and Lake Shore Junior High School. He served as teacher, coach, athletic director, administrator, and head coach of basketball, football, track, baseball, soccer, and swimming. He retired in 1994.

In 1995, he was named Man of the Year by the Royal Vagabonds Club, Inc. He held membership in the club for over 50 years. He served as club president for many years.

Arnold enjoyed golfing and competing in tournaments.  He regularly took to the links with his golf buddies. He also enjoyed attending the games and cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Arnold was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Bernice Toby James; his parents Willie and Leona James; and all of his siblings: J.D. Collier; Juanita Collier Wynn; Hanson Moore; Mildred Moore Faine; Levi Moore; Willie James, Jr.; Agnes James Maybin; Leonard James; and Shiela James Miller.

To cherish his memory and legacy he leaves a beloved, and devoted daughter, Dr. Stephanie James; devoted nieces, Bernadette Demmings and Brittany Demmings-Chappel; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Alice M. West; Mrs. Earlene Lockett; Mrs. Marie Wright; a number of nieces; nephews; sorrowing friends; and a devoted caregiver, Mrs. Ramona Stokes. Special thanks to Dr. J.M. Garmendia, his caring, and long-term physician.

Arnold lived a wonderful life—full of accomplishments, happiness, cool, and fun. He transitioned peacefully with family by his side, and Stephanie holding his hand.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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