James “Jim” Arnold, owner of Arnold Farm in Hillsdale, Mich., died Tuesday at the age of 75.
Arnold Farm is perennially one of Michigan’s leading Thoroughbred breeding and sales operations. The farm was honored as the state’s 2010 Breeder of the Year at last Sunday’s Michigan Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association year-end dinner. It also accounted for the award winners in two racing divisions and co-stallion of the year, Meadow Prayer.
Arnold’s passing added to an already difficult year for the farm and family, after losing Jim’s wife, Marcia, on Oct. 20 and leading sire Meadow Prayer over the summer.
Visitation will be held Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Van Horn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale. Funeral services are Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Hillsdale Free Methodist Church, followed by interment at Cambria Cemetery at 2 p.m.
To view Arnold’s obituary on Hillsdale.net, click here.
The Michigan-Bred Claimer 
Hillsdale, Mich. —
Marcia Ann Roberts Arnold, 74, of Hillsdale passed away Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, at the Mac McGuire Skilled Nursing Facility in Hillsdale. She was born Feb. 2, 1936, in Jonesville to Albert A. and Donelda A. (MIller) Roberts. She was married Sept. 26, 1954, in Jonesville to James L. Arnold and he survives.
I guess some do die of broken hearts. A close friend just talked to his daughter Sunday at the dinner. Ironically my favorite aunt died on Dec. 7th 14 years ago and an uncle on Dec. 9th in 2001, 5 months before my Dad that year. In total 8 adult children were beyond mourning our Dads. We sat shocked.
Losing anyone before Christmas is bad enough but losing not just one but both of your parents with-in months before Christmas. My heart goes out to their kids and whole family. Both Marcia and Jim were nice people. They will be very missed.
It feels like not only our Industry here is dying but with it all of our people. Very Saddening
I adopted a horse from CANTER which was previously owned bu James. Was wondering if the family kept with the thoroughbreds or not? Awesome horse.
Thanks!