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Jim Arnold has answered the Call of the Angels on High and Good Lord in Heaven. He passed away peacefully on Nov. 20 at his home in California's Tehachapi Mountains, surrounded by family and friends. He was 79.

James Bowman Arnold was born March 22, 1944, in Beaumont, Texas to Ernest and Alva Lee Arnold. After the birth of his sister Margaret, the Arnolds left Texas and settled in South Pasadena, California. The family grew to nine members, with Jim as the eldest. It was here that Jim developed his leadership and faith and carried that strength with him for the rest of his life. Upon graduating from Cal Poly Pomona College in 1968, Jim was drafted into the military, and served in Washington, D.C. with the United States Army Honor Guard. After his service ended, Jim moved back to California, where he settled in Corona Del Mar, and began his career in group health insurance.

There he met his beautiful wife Sally, and they married in November 1972. Remaining in Corona Del Mar/Newport Beach, Jim relied on his faith and leadership, and trusted in himself and the Good Lord while beginning his next journey: starting a family. He and Sally adopted their four children and raised them with unconditional love.

Although becoming a deacon in the Catholic faith was not something Jim had ever personally considered, he accepted the invitation from Monsignor Bill McLaughlin at Our Lady Queen of Angels parish. The diaconate formation journey led him and nine others to be ordained in 2007 for the Diocese of Orange County. Saying yes to this calling to become a deacon was only possible if Sally was in agreement. Marriage was his first priority, his role as a deacon second. His commitment to God was his greatest strength.

In 2014, Jim began to secure and oversee his new venture: Triassic Vineyards in the beautiful Tehachapi Mountains. There, he was able to champion an effort with the surrounding vineyards and growers to make Tehachapi an Agro-tourism destination. Jim's goal was to retire from the proprietorship of the vineyard and return to full-time diaconate service with St. Malachy's parish in the local Tehachapi community. But the decision was made between him and his Creator, and his most important work was to be done from above. Jim answered the call home, and he watches over us all.

Jim's legacy is carried on through his wife Sally, his four children: Tiffany, Tony, Dennis, Hilary and eight grandchildren, as well as his six siblings: Margaret, Teresa (Terri), Ernie, Dave, Ann and Steve, as well as many, many nieces and nephews.

Services are as follows:

Rosary and viewing, Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., St. Malachy's Catholic Church, Tehachapi.

Funeral mass 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. at 9 St. Malachy's Catholic Church, Tehachapi. Reception to follow in the church hall.

Internment 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 11 at Tehachapi Public Cemetery - Westside

Memorial Mass, Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 2046 Mar Vista Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 644-0200.

All are welcome to celebrate his life with us and attend the services. He wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Wood Family Funeral Service has been entrusted with his care. For condolences, please visit http://www.woodmortuary.net.