James A. Arquette of Toledo died on September 23, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was 68. Jim was born on April 28, 1950 to Harold & Mary Ann (Shea) Arquette.
He was raised in Toledo’s Old West End with his brothers Bob and John and sister Catherine “Kitty”. As a child in the 50’s, he would run home from Rosary Cathedral grade school during lunchtime to watch Soupy Sales on television. He was a Boy Scout, and played baseball & football.
At Central Catholic High School Jim was an excellent French student, a varsity wrestler and earned a respectable number of demerits; he graduated in 1968. Jim enlisted in the Army during Vietnam and served overseas in Italy. He was able to travel through Europe during this time and was often complimented on his convincing French.
After returning home he earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in 1978 while working and raising a family. Jim later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo School of Law and passed the Bar in 1990. Jim worked most of his career at Art Iron, Inc. in Toledo as a benefits administrator and executive; and later at Swan Creek Retirement Community.
Jim always liked challenging pastimes; puzzles and Mensa games were always on hand around the house. He would play boggle and never lose. He was an amateur photographer in his youth and spent several decades learning the guitar.
His latest endeavor was learning the ukulele. He particularly enjoyed rigorous intellectual conversation (this includes, he would insist, Euchre table talk). He could discuss – some might say argue about – nearly any subject you might choose in detail and at length.
Like his father, Jim was an excellent carpenter; likely because good craftsmanship played to some of his personal strengths: thoughtfulness, patience, attention to detail, and an apparently genetic appreciation for quality. His projects – decks, home additions, or furniture he made for his grandchildren will serve reliably and remind us of him for many years to come. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mary Ann Arquette and his brother-in-law Ken Barnett.
He is survived by his wife Midge; his children John (Erika) and Jessica (Jason); his step-daughters Jennifer (Tim), Susan (Jody), Christine (Brian), and Laura (Dave); his 15 Grandchildren; his brothers Robert (Mary) and John (Debbie), and his sister Catherine “Kitty” Barnett; and his loving dogs, Haley and Chloe. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 28th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Reeb Funeral Home 5712 N. Main Street Sylvania, OH with a memorial service beginning at 6:00 pm. Any desired memorial donations may be made to The Boy Scouts and sent to: “Erie Shores Council, BSA,” 5600 W. Sylvania Ave.
P.O. Box 8728 Toledo, OH 43623.
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