Obituary for James “Perry” Arnold

Perry Arnold

December 15, 1950 – February 19, 2024

James Perry Arnold passed away early Monday morning, February 19, 2024, at his home at the age of 73 years.

Perry was born in Wichita, KS, to Jim and Vesta Arnold. They moved to Ashland, KS, when he was in first grade. He lived on the Young and Cooper ranch north of town until he graduated in 1969. He continued his education in Alva, OK, for a year. He rodeoed from his youth through most of his life. Perry dated his wife Martha Baker all through high school and was married in 1971.

To this marriage of 52 years, they had three children. J.R. Arnold, deceased, Dusty Arnold of Hutchinson, KS, and Tamra Hetrick and husband Scott of Blackwell, OK. Perry participated in rodeos and cowboy-ed for ranches until he began raising quarter-horses after moving to Hutchinson, KS, in 1991. Perry and Martha retired in 2020 and moved to Blackwell, OK, to be closer to Tamra. He loved to watch the grandkids rodeo and participate in sports. He loved to fish in the pond behind their house.

Perry is preceded in death by his son J.R. and his parents, Jim and Vesta Arnold. He leaves his wife Martha, son Dusty, and daughter Tamra. His five grandchildren are Zane Arnold of Hutchinson, KS; Taylor Strahorn and husband John of Purcell, OK; Coy Arnold of Abilene, KS; Carlee Arnold of Hutchinson, KS; and Kole Hetrick of Blackwell, OK.

Perry had a brother Terry Wayne and wife Teresa of Ashland, KS, and sisters Janice Ritter and husband John of Cibolo, TX; Beth Ann DeMont of Manhattan, KS; and Jimmie Lou Hinkle and husband Rick of Powersville, MO. He has fourteen nieces and nephews, along with more family and many friends.

A Cowboy Gathering will be held in his honor at 11:00 a.m. on March 2, 2024, in the Elks Roundtop, located at 1951 N 29th St., Blackwell, OK.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas High School Rodeo Association, 7762 Old Stage Rd., Junction City, KS 66441.