James Wilbur Arnold, 97, passed away peacefully in his home just north of Orrick, Missouri on January 21, 2026.

James, or Wilbur as most knew him, was born in Orrick on November 11, 1928 to James Henry and Georgia Olene (Edwards) Arnold. Wilbur was raised in and around Orrick and graduated from Orrick High School, Class of 1946. In 1947, he began a lifelong career in agriculture. He and his brother Paul co-owned and operated Arnold Brothers Feed and Grain until 1974, then Wilbur enjoyed farming until his retirement.

In 1951, Wilbur enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict. After his return to Orrick, Wilbur was united in marriage to Mary Frances (McAfee) Arnold at the First Baptist Church of Orrick on December 24, 1954. From this marriage, Wilbur and Mary had three sons, Dale Lynn, Stephen Wayne, and Michael David Arnold. Throughout his life, Wilbur faithfully served his family and community as a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Orrick, a board member of the Farm and Home Insurance, founding board member of the Orrick Fire Protection District as well as a member of a Promise Keepers men’s group. A man of faith, integrity, and generosity. He will be greatly missed as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and community leader.

Preceding Wilbur in death were his parents, James Henry and Georgia Arnold; Mary Arnold, his wife of almost sixty years; three sisters, Jessie Edwards, Lila Arnold, and Sharon Peterson; and a brother, Paul Arnold.

Survivors include his three sons, Dale Arnold of Elizabeth, Colorado, Stephen Arnold (Lynne) of Roswell, Georgia, and Michael Arnold (Betsey) of Orrick, Missouri; four sisters, Doris Boyce, Lena Davidson, Carol Nelson, Georgann Anderson (Bob); four brothers, Dean Arnold, Robert Arnold (Maxine), Victor Arnold, and Phillip Arnold (Susan); grandchildren, Lauren McAfee (Nathan), Kristen Tufts (Matthew), Ashlyn Martoia (Collin), Malorie Haynes (Dakota), and Kaitlin Arnold; great-grandchildren, Jackson McAfee, Sawyer McAfee, Collins McAfee, Miller Tufts, Smith Tufts, Shepherd Tufts, Beau Martoia, and Levi Martoia.

Services for Wilbur will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Missouri. A visitation for family to receive friends will begin at 1:00 PM with funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM. Immediately following the funeral service, a processional will leave the funeral home for interment and a graveside service at Southpoint Cemetery, just east of Orrick. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Orrick.