Jack Arnold

Jack Louis Arnold, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Traylor Arnold and Rose Wesselman Arnold. Jack is survived by his devoted sister, Janeen Laughbaum, and his brother-in-law, Steve Laughbaum of Nashville, Tennessee, along with his beloved nephew, John Adam Lofbomm, and his wife, Ashlinn Romagnoli, who live in Turin, Italy.

 

Jack was born in Lexington, Kentucky on June 3, 1941. He and his mother lived there with his grandparents while his father was away during the Second World War. A few years after the war, his family moved to Augusta, Georgia, where he attended Elementary School, Boys Catholic Middle School, and Aquinas High School.

 

Later, he moved back to Lexington, before entering the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, his ship was in the Bay of Pigs during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and later served in the Mediterranean, where Jack made many fond memories touring Italy.

 

After his Navy years, he landed in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was married to Mae Belden. 

 

He went to work for Klosterman’s Bakery where he was employed for 32 years as a delivery driver and depot manager. Jack was a “bread man” through and through. He loved to reminisce about his many years serving in “the bread business,” where he collected many funny stories he loved to tell, and formed many deep friendships with dear men, such as Robert Jenson, Charles Harris, and Al Theders , who were beside him to the very end.

 

Later on in life, he spent more than three decades in faithful partnership with Louise Smith. Together, they raised several pets, who were like children to them, Chas, Lucky, and his beloved Maxie, who has found a caring home with Jack’s dear friend and longtime pet groomer, Bonnie  Harmon. Jack always had a deep love and respect for animals, and was an avid supporter of the ASPCA and other animal charities.

 

Jack also leaves behind a community of dear brothers and sisters at Miami Whitewater Community  Church. He loved to serve there in a variety of ways - from assisting with custodial duties to making hospital visits to comfort and minister to folks in need. A tireless worker throughout his life, Jack is now free at last to rest in the comfort of his Father’s home.