James “Jimmy” Arnold, Sr.

January 31, 2022

James “Jimmy” Arnold, Sr. age 86 of Gonzalez passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022.

Jimmy graduated from Tate High in 1953. He was a lifetime resident of the Gonzalez area and was very proud of this. Jimmy left Gonzalez only a short time while playing football for the University of Chattanooga. After college his love of cars ignited a passion for racing. During his racing years, he was known as a small town man going “Nowhere to Somewhere” fast with notable accolades: 1964 NHRA champion, 1965 NASCAR Stock Drag Race Champion with his well-known “Color Me Gone” Dodge, and held several state records. In September 2003, Jimmy “Color Me Gone” Arnold was inducted into the Drag Racers Hall of Fame.

As a single father he gave up racing to focus on family and his career with SERF. He retired from Pensacola Junior College as a welding instructor where he touched many lives and guided many futures. In 1991, he was honored by the American Welding Society with the District Educator Award.

Jimmy loved to help others in his community. He was honored in 2008 as a fifty-year Master Mason and belonged to the Hadji Shrine Antique Car unit- his love of cars never faded.

Jimmy was known as a man who lived life to the fullest, loved people, God and family. He loved to laugh and fellowship with friends. Jimmy never met a stranger. He was a loving father and “Poppy”, uncle, and friend. Of all the titles and honors given to Jimmy, these meant the most. Although his final race on earth has been won, his kindness, laughter and adventurous spirit will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Survivors include his son, J. Douglas Arnold, Jr. and wife Kristin; his son Derrick Arnold; his daughter, Keri Arnold Litton; grandchildren: Jaime Arnold, Jaxon Arnold, Madison Arnold, Lauren Litton, Morgan Litton, Jayden Arnold, and Jagger Arnold; brothers, M.J. Arnold, Billy Arnold and wife Vivian; sister Sharon Steelreath; sister-in-law, Joan Arnold; several nieces and nephews and extended family: Greg Litton, Rachel Southworth Hughes, Gary Southworth, and Kristen Southworth Abbott.

Visitation service will be held at 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with memorial service following at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Faith Chapel North.

Comments

4 Responses to “James “Jimmy” Arnold, Sr.”

  1. Greg Donalson on February 6th, 2022 12:46 am

    I met Jimmy back in the 60’s at the drag strip on Klondike Rd. And followed his success. Ran into him years later and he remembered me even though many years had passed. He was a real people person and everyone liked him and he liked everyone. One of the last good ones. God bless him and his family.

  2. David on February 2nd, 2022 10:32 pm

    He welcomed me with open arms into his family. Jimmy’s positive spirit and love of life always lifted everyone in the room. Family get togethers on Roy Jones Jr fight nights will always be some of the best memories of my life! Thank you Jimmy for so many good times! We all love you so much and will miss you forever!

  3. Bill on February 1st, 2022 3:28 pm

    Jimmy touched so many lives. He is proof that the things we do in our every day lives matter. He was such a big part of so many peoples lives. He always had a smile and was so willing to help anyone. There are so many welders out there that he taught at PJC or on the job, and so many welding careers can credit Jimmy for his guidance. It is pretty amazing that he did all the things he did and helped all the people he did while he raised three kids as a single father. Such a great person. He will be greatly missed.
    “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

  4. greg on February 1st, 2022 9:58 am

    jimmy was such a great guy. never heard a bad word spoke about him. he touched so many lives, mine included. i know he is with his heaven father now and is at peace

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries