of Mountain Home, AR
September 14, 1941 - May 18, 2024
Jack Austin Arnold was born on the back side of Old Joe Mountain on September 14, 1941 to Griffin and Thelma Arnold. He passed from this life on May 18, 2024. He had two older brothers, Glenn and Dr. Carl (Norene) and two older sisters, Robbie May and Helen Fitzpatrick, as well as a stillborn baby sister, Rebecca, all of whom preceded him in death. On December 26, 1962, he married Mary June Jeffery in Guion, Arkansas. After over 62 years of marriage, she still says he was the kindest, sweetest and best man that ever lived. They have two sons, Dallas (Jann) and Jeffery (Phillippa). Their five grandchildren are Dr. Sarah Yelenich (Dylan) of Little Rock, AR, Ashley Arnold Gabarina (Nev) of London, UK, Rachel Arnold of Little Rock, AR, Dr. Leah Swanson (Matt) of Mountain Home, AR and Dr. Forrest Arnold (fiancé Amy Reed) of Springdale, AR. The real boss in the family is 2 year old great granddaughter, Lilah Swanson, who eagerly awaits her baby brother, Jack, due in August.
He is survived by his wife and all of his children and grandchildren.
Jack spent 32 years teaching school, all the way from 8th grade science to University level science. After graduating high school from Mt. Pleasant, AR, he earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree and worked one year on a PhD. His greatest joy was in getting to develop a ceramics program at Mountain Home High School. Thus he spent the bulk of his career teaching hand building in clay. He developed a real passion for sculpting and soon started casting some of his works in bronze. He was juried into the country's largest outdoor sculpture show in Loveland, Colorado and also had his work exhibited in a gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His passion for painting matched his love of sculpture.
He was often teased about the many hobbies he worked at through the years, all of which he jumped into passionately. Among his favorites were restoring old cars and flint knapping.
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41 Condolence(s)
Amy Hite
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Mr. Arnold,
So sorry to hear the loss of your Dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Amy Carson-Hite
Helen Gammill
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Dear June and family, it was so sad to learn about Jack. I count it a privilege to have taught with you both and to have been your neighbors for so many years. Having gone through the loss of Ron so recently, I can empathize with you so easily. Hold your precious grandchildren and great grandchildren as often as possible.
Jane Ann Knowles
Friday, May 24, 2024
June and family, I was saddened to learn of Jack’s passing. I had him for 9th grade Science, then would cross paths with him when I was teaching. I recall he started a music club during lunch in 9th gr. He did a lung capacity experiment for science…(I won)
He was such a kind man and easy to talk to. In later years he would drop by my dad’s carpet store and engage in some high debate with my dad. He has had a big impact on students and the folks in Mtn Home. Hugs to each of you.
Jeff Speight
Friday, May 24, 2024
I was honored to know Mr. Arnold and enjoyed many great conversations with him in my adulthood. We both shared a love for music and it was a great joy to be asked if I would listen to songs he wrote. In my experience, he always made you feel welcome and he just had a way about him that would draw you into his infectious personality. Having lost my dad 22 years ago, I have some sense of what his sons and grandkids feel today. He will be missed by everyone who got to know him. Yet, he lives on through his great family and friends. I am proud to count Dal and Jeff as good friends. Jack must have been proud of both of you. Jack, may you rest in eternal peace.
Linda Rhein
Friday, May 24, 2024
So sad to hear of Jack's passing. Unable to make services but my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Julie Helms Holmes
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Mr. Arnold was such an amazing educator. I had ceramics with him. His sculpting was amazing. He truly worked magic with that clay! He was very encouraging to those of us that were not as talented, lol. Remembering the family in prayer during this difficult time.
Ann Glueck
Thursday, May 23, 2024
To June and all the family, my heartfelt sympathy. Our son, Devin, taught with Dallas and he sends his condolences
James (Jim) Floyd
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Who could ever forget Mr. Arnold. Great guy, Great teacher, Great artist. Case closed.
Class of 77 rules and kicks (thanks to Mr. Arnold)
Fair winds and following seas
James Floyd, MHHS 1977
Tina Foley Benton
Thursday, May 23, 2024
My sincere condolences and sympathy for the family in this difficult time.
Kathleen Amos
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
June and family: I am so sorry for your loss. I know it is overwelming; if you need an ear to listen please call. You are in my heart, sending prayers and hugs your way.
Kathy Amos
Dr. Robert L. Hudson
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
I was saddened to hear of Jack's death. I used to see him around town with some irregularity. To say the least Jack was always good for conversation! Mary June was a member of the 1960 Class at Calico Rock. I am sure all of us of that class will be having additional kind and supporting thoughts for Mary June during these difficult times.
Patty Pitchford Fletcher
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Mr Arnold was my 8th grade science teacher. He was such a lovely man and I would often run into him exploring auctions and garage sales. My sympathy to the family.
Debbie ( Ross) FitzGerald
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
My heart is sad to hear of Jack’s passing over the rainbow. He was a wonderful science and Art teacher to me. He is one of the reasons I became a teaching artist as well.
I loved visiting with him and June when I was in town. He was an amazing man who was kind, smart and genuine. Gods speed
Love to you June and family.
Debbie ( Ross) FitzGerald and Steve
Paula Roddy
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Sorry for your loss
Sincere sympathy
Sue Campbell
David Hudson
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
It's been a long time since I've seen Jack but I so much enjoyed knowing him and being around him. He was a great friend of my father.
Kathy Cox
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
So sorry to hear this. Praying for help from Lord to get you through this difficult time
Barbara Wayland
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Jack Arnold. He was an amazing teacher and just a genuinely good person when I was in school in the 80's. I know you will be greatly missed because you were so greatly cherished in this community. Prayers for the family of Mr. Jack Arnold.
Neil and Veronica Putz
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
No words can express the grace, spirit, and soul of this man. His positive impact on this world is beyond measure - his teachings and personal example contributed so much to our lives. Jack remains forever in our hearts and minds, among our most treasured and beloved memories. MHHS '71
Margaret Mason
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
There are no words.....my heart is broken for all of us at the loss of such an amazing gentleman who shared his multiple talents and interests so freely.
Patrice Nowak
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
I am so very sorry for the loss of such a great man. I had the pleasure of meeting him once. Sarah has talked about him extensively and Dylan really had a great admiration and respect for him also. One of my favorite quotes regarding losing a loved one is “Be the things you loved most about the person who is gone”. Wishing you peace and strength at such a difficult time.
Sharon Trauth Slater
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Mr Arnold was my 8th grade science teacher but that was only the beginning of many years of respect and friendship. He became friends with my parents also. I know he must have touched so many lives with his kindness and true caring nature. He made the world a better place and me a better person because of his life. RIP Mr Arnold.
Dianna Roller
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
June and family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. He was very influential on many many, many students over the years and was a cherished co-worker of my first years as a teacher at Mountain Home High School.
He will be missed by all of those who were lucky enough to have known and loved him.
You and your family have my deepest and heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. Please accept my condolences. Keeping you close in my thoughts and prayers. Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us everyday. Remember the beat times over the years with Jack. That will bring your comfort.
Sincerely,
Dianna Roller
Melinda Wooten
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Rest in peace my dear cousin. Hug my mom and dad for me.
Debby wood Washam
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
So sorry to hear of Jacks passing. He was very special to my family. I was very happy to see Jack and his wife at the reunion . Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers
Ellen Studnar-Griesi
Monday, May 20, 2024
Mr. Arnold was the best Art Teacher! I loved taking ceramics class. His out of the box ideas letting the Students run with thier ideas. He was a great musician, I can't believe he's got my Father's guitar!
I hope he's Having the best time in Heaven. God Bless All of you!
Prayers, Ellen
Jaydine Arnold Morton
Monday, May 20, 2024
Jack has always been a favorite cousin, and his wife has been one of the best. It seemed that we always sat across the table from them. We will cherish the time spent with them—the stories and laughs we shared at our cousin dinners at Jojo’s. Our sympathy goes to the family with love enough for all.
Pete and Ellen Mackercher
Monday, May 20, 2024
So very saddened to learn of Jack’s passing. Our prayers for the family and especially our friend, June as she continues her recovery.
Danny and Kathy Hodnett
Monday, May 20, 2024
As two of Jack Arnold’s former students we count ourselves blessed to have known this wonderful teacher and gifted artist. We treasure our memories of his kindness and wit. Our condolences to June and the rest of the family.
Julie Confehr (Casebolt)
Monday, May 20, 2024
I was privileged to have Mr Arnold as my ceramics teacher. I just came back from visiting Arkansas and my sister had saved a mushroom w a worm and ladybug on it I had made is his class. I graduated in 1979 and moved to Philadelphia in1980. My sweet little grandma who lived to age105 had it saved in her treasures. Mr Arnold was so kind and a handsome gentleman. Mrs Arnold was kind enough to let some of us “not rowdy’s” spend our lunch time in the library. I admired them both, for their kindness and quiet yet friendly, fun demeanor. They were truly an anchor for some!
Claris Bobbitt Cruse
Monday, May 20, 2024
Sorry to hear this. He was such a pleasant person.
Cynthia Koprivnikar
Monday, May 20, 2024
So sad for this loss to our family. Jack was a person with a wealth of knowledge. I picked his mind for our family history. We will miss you cousin Jack. RIP.. loved and will be missed.
Cynthia & Bill
Kimberly Hes
Monday, May 20, 2024
This hurts my heart to see this:(. Mr. Arnold was my teacher many many years ago for ceramics. He was a amazing teacher! MHHS 1996.
So very sorry for the familys loss.
Traci Lackey Culpepper
Monday, May 20, 2024
So sorry to hear of Mr. Arnold's passing... He was a great teacher and man...My year book he said....Your the only one work on a project all year and still manage not to finish... lol.. RIP Mr. Arnold
Lynn Pollock
Monday, May 20, 2024
We are so very saddened by this. He was such a special person and family member. Sending all our love and condolences to everyone.
Lynn, Jerry and boys
Bill Clements
Monday, May 20, 2024
When we first moved to AR I had Mr. Arnold for biology class, he was always a joy to talk to when I saw him in town. He was a GREAT educator, he will be missed..MHHS 1972
Janette McDaniel
Monday, May 20, 2024
So very sorry to hear this. He was my favorite teacher in Junior High. Such an awesome man. Prayers for family and friends.
Linda Hicks Manfred
Monday, May 20, 2024
My 2 sons were both in Mr. Arnold's ceremamics class at MtnHome. I still have ceramics they made and I cherish them.
Joann Farmer Montgomery
Monday, May 20, 2024
June - I am so sorry about the loss of your husband.
You are in my thoughts and prayers now and as you
adjust to the days ahead.
Sissy Brandon Rasmussen
Monday, May 20, 2024
So sorry for your loss. He made a great impact on my outlook on Art. It was so awesome to have him for a teacher . Prayers for all the families. Lycinda Brandon. MHHS 1978 .
Joan Young
Sunday, May 19, 2024
So sorry to hear of Mr. Arnold's passing. Loved him as a teacher and such a great artist.
Jeannie (Cox) Lillo
Sunday, May 19, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Arnold’s passing, please accept our condolences,
Rob & Jeannie Lillo