James Edward Arp was born Jan. 19, 1934, and entered his eternal home on Sept. 12, 2023.
James was born in Fanin County, Georgia, to Virgil and Beedie Arp, and was preceded in death by both parents; one sister and her husband, Vivian and Fred Thomas; and one brother and his wife, BH and Arlene Arp. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Joanna Ruth Arp.
James is survived by his wife, Donna Bowman, of LaGrange, Ohio.
James was a lifelong resident of Chardon, Ohio, except for the last 12 years, residing in LaGrange. Ohio.
James retired from Penn Central Railroad after 32 years of service, helping to build the first jet-powered locomotive. After his retirement, he also helped his youngest son start and operate an automotive repair and engine rebuild shop for 10 years.
Before working at the railroad, James and his brothers owned and operated Arp Brothers Service, a full-service gas station and auto repair shop.
James and his first wife, Joanna, had four children, He is survived by Charles E. Arp and his wife, Laurie, of Dublin, Ohio, Virgil C. Arp and his wife, Beth Ann, of Louisville, Ky., Loretta R. Hassel and her husband, Mike, of Elijay, Ga., and Darryl J. Arp and his wife, Laurie, of Hartsgrove.
James is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and an extended family of five step-children, 11 step-grandchildren and 19 step-great-grandchildren. He loved them all!
James and his first wife, Joanna, were involved in their church and various ministries until her passing in 2004.
James and Donna have been active in their home church in Elyria and enjoyed traveling, gardening, playing cards and being with family.
A Life Celebration service will be at Abundant Life Christian Center on Oct. 7, 2023, at 2 p.m., with lunch at 306 Morgan Ave, Elyria.
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