James "Jim" Albert Arns

James "Jim" Albert Arns, 79, Tulsa, OK passed away peacefully on December 28, 2022, at Hillcrest Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Born in Syracuse, NY on December 14, 1943, to Albert Arns and Margaret (Smith) Arns, Jim grew up alongside one brother, William, known as "Bill" and one sister, Barbara.

Jim lived his early years in Syracuse, NY, where he graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1962. Immediately upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he felt an immense sense of pride in being able to serve his country. Jim was released from active duty in October of 1966 yet continued to serve in the reserves. His time in the military lasted a total of 6 years, ranging from 1962-1968, after which he was honorably discharged. Once his time with the United States Air Force had come to an end, Jim decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Syracuse University in New York. Upon graduating college, Jim secured employment with Hanover Insurance Group, where he worked as a commercial casualty underwriter for a total of 26 years before retiring.

Jim met his loving wife, Eileen in 1966, where they were actually introduced to one another at work by James' sister, Barbara. The rest was history. Jim and Eileen married in 1968 and to this union, had 4 children: Carey Ann, Rebecca - "Becky", Jason and Robert. In 1981, Hanover Insurance Group relocated Jim and his family from New York to Tulsa, OK, where he lived out the rest of his years. Jim had a strong relationship with Christ all throughout his life. He and Eileen faithfully attended St. Pius Catholic Church together, where they were loyal members for 30 years.

Jim was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, grandpa, and friend. Being known as "Poppa" to his 9 grandchildren was one of his greatest joys in life. He was incredibly generous and always willing to help anyone in need. Jim loved to camp, fish and spend time in nature, especially with his family and friends. He was a member of the Tulsa Glue Dobbers, where he enjoyed flying his radio-controlled airplanes among friends. Jim loved anything having to do with aviation, even going as far as enrolling in flight school and receiving his private pilot's license.

Moreover, in his free time Jim enjoyed watching basketball, traveling, taking nature walks, and even took up sewing as a hobby. He was creative in that way and even created clothes for Becky and Carey Ann when they were little girls. His latest project was helping his grandkids create the perfect Halloween costumes. Jim even worked at OBI after retiring and made great friends that he enjoyed spending time with. He was always looking for the next adventure that may come his way.

Jim was predeceased by his father, Albert Arns and mother, Margaret (Smith) Arns. He is survived by his wife of 54 years and the love of his life, Eileen Marie (Carey) Arns of Tulsa; brother, Bill Arns of NY; sister, Barbara Brandt of Syracuse, NY; daughter, Carey Ann Jolin of Tulsa; daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Cotney of Broken Arrow; son, Jason Arns of Tulsa, and son Robert Arns of Tulsa. Jim is also survived by his 9 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, loving cousins, as well as many friends he truly considered family.

Visitation for Jim will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at St. Pius Catholic Church in Tulsa, OK. A rosary service is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, the same night of visitation. A funeral mass will take place at St. Pius Catholic Church the following day, Friday, January 6, 2023, at 10:00 AM.