James Arnold was born and raised in Centerfield. His father is Lars Peter Amtoft and his mother is Laura Sanders. She passed away just after or during child birth when Arnold was six years old. Arnold's father was a sewing machine salesman so he traveled around the state with his horse and buggy selling machines. Because of this Arnold was raised by his grandmother, Mettie Marie Amtoft. Arnold finished his high school and attended some college in Provo.
Arnold met Fern when he was working at the Leo Anderson farm and Fern was there helping her sister Eliza. They enjoyed many parties at the farm together. Soon their relationship developed into matrimony and they were married December 20, 1917.
After they were married Arnold and Fern Arnold worked for many people in the Gunnison Valey before the couple finally settled on a turkey farm in Axtell. He also drove the school bus for many years and enjoyed the kids that rode the bus as much as they enjoyed him. Because of his playful teasing all the riders could hardly wait for him to pick them up each day.
Arnold had two children - Keith and Laura. Arnold was also a good father to Fern's two child by her first marriage - Maude and Mary. They always welcomed all the grand children with open arms. The grandkids have many fond memories of 'going to Grandpa's and Grandma's house. There were many summer stays at the farm, too.
Arnold loved to take road trips to visit the family. There were always jaunts to see the country during these visits which made many memories, too.
Arnold served as the Superintendent of the Sunday School and soon he was asked to serve as bishop. He was Bishop for 7 or 8 years before he was released but later served another 2 years. He was on the High Council and Laura took him to a meeting just a few days before he passed away.