John "Jack" Sheridan Arnold

Jack was born May 25, 1937, in Council bluffs to the late Dottie and D.B. Arnold and moved to Ottumwa at the age of 9 months where he enjoyed the many joys of his life. He was married to the late Linda Graham and later married his wife of 47 years, Ruth.

After graduating from Ottumwa High School and attending the University of Iowa, Jack retired in 1998 as an Industrial Engineer at Lund International. He previously worked for the Iowa Highway Commission, John Morrell, as well as part-time positions in retirement at Collaborative Laboratory Services and Iowa Prolube. Jack also was a partner in several housing complexes in Ottumwa as well as a small, weekly newspaper chain in Eddyville, Eldon, New Sharon, Fremont and Hedrick.

Jack volunteered for many organizations including Jaycees, United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Bridge View Center, First Methodist Church and many boards in the community. He truly lived life to the fullest by staying active in many events, including traveling with friends, time at his cabin at Holiday Lake near Brooklyn, decorating for the holidays, neighborhood parties, dancing, golfing and yearly family vacations (from Hawaii to Italy and everything in between.

Jack passed away on November 9, 2015 at Hospice House in Ottumwa after a short battle with lung cancer. He was a great father and loving husband; a gentle and kind man loved by many. Funeral services were held on November 14 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jon Disburg officiating with burial in Ottumwa Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Ruth; brother Robert "Bob" (Beverly) Arnold of Cedar Rapids; seven children, Tom (Ashley) Arnold of Beverly Hills, Lori (John) Woten of Phoenix, Scott (Gidget) Arnold of Centerville, John (Linda) Daugherty of Ottumwa, Marla (Michael) Sugrue of St. Louis, Chris (Michael) Arnold of Phoenix and Mark (Sarah) Arnold of Oklahoma City; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; his cat, Cassie and pug, Cash. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kay Arnold-Cooper; and his loving dog of 16 years, Boo-Boo.