On Saturday, April 10, 2021, Jim Arnshek/Mountian Jim took off on another trail, leaving behind his sweetie Doni to take care. He was home in his cottage in the woods at peace.
Jim turned 74 on April 2nd and was born in Saginaw, Michigan to Geraldine (Gohm) and Edward Arnshek.
Jim was an Arthur Hill graduate, class of 1965. He played football, baseball, and was a great swimmer. After school, he went to work for Wiese Landscaping and Tree Nursery and was an excellent landscaper. Jim continued on with his career in Saginaw and worked at Wilson Machine, B&K Corporation, and Wright-K Technology as a Sales Engineer.
Jim and Doni moved to Angola, IN, and lived there for 25 years while Jim traveled. Upon retirement in 2011, they packed up and moved north to Indian River. Jim finished the cottage to make it home while working part-time at The Bow Hole. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 4046 in Indian River for many years, and was one of the “1st Thursday Group.”
He enjoyed just being outside; taking walks with his girls, Moka and Cub.
Jim was a man who “did it all” during his life; hunting, skiing, traveling, kicking the dirt, snowmobiling, golf, and working on his tractor. At the end of the day, he would settle on the deck with a cocktail overlooking the river, with his arms around his sweetie, watching the sunset and being thankful for their life together.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Geraldine; and his brother, Tony.
He is survived by his loving wife, Doni; family member, Dee Hargreaves; nieces, Shawn and Angela Arnshek; a nephew, Chad (Meg) Arnshek; and a very special goddaughter, Cassandra Bell who he loved and enjoyed spending time with at deer camp.
At Jim’s request there will be no service or flowers, please just share great memories. Memorial donations can be made to the Cheboygan County Humane by mail at 1536 Hackleburg Rd, Cheboygan, MI, 49721, or through PayPal on their website at https://www.cheboyganhumanesociety.org/support-us/Society and McLaren Home Health Care & Hospice online at https://www.mclaren.org/health-management-group/online-donation-mclaren-health-management-group.
When we send him off, we will toast Jim with a shot of Jack and say “See ya, Buddy.”
“Such a wonderful caring man, best friend, and my sweetie will be missed. Thanks Babe.”-Doni Arnshek.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
7 comments on “Jim Arnshek”
Doni even though we know what’s coming we just can’t be prepared. Thinking of you and have been for many months. 🤗
Doni, remember the great times. I will toast him with that shot of Jack and hope to see you sometime.
Couldn’t have asked for a better man to fill the role of my Godfather. I still remember him teaching me to play solitaire and reminding me that even though I could work the cards in my favor, that it wasn’t the right thing to do. I miss his sweet smell of cigarettes and aftershave. I’d know that smell anywhere. Learning about euchre, Phase 10, how to gut a deer and giving me the heart to take to ‘show and tell’ at school will always be memories close to my heart. I wish you could be there at my wedding, but I know you’ll be watching over. I love you Uncle Jim, I’ll be seeing you.
Doni, I have plenty of memories along with a lot of pictures of all the snowmobiling, and the cottage and lodge parties from all the years we’ve known each other. I toasted him with a Jack Daniel Manhattan on the day he left this earth. I will also remember our last beer together on the Tuesday before he passed away. Love you Doni. Rich and Melanie Jurewicz
It’s 5 o’clock everywhere now Jim – cheers to a life well lived and thank you for giving Doni an abundance of sweet beautiful memories to hang on to. Love you my friend!
The 1st Thursday group lost another member but we all lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Doni. Jim is at peace and in a better place watching over you.
Love,
Jim and Kathie
Our greatest memory was being part of Doni and Jim’s wedding ceremony, on their property in Indian River. Jim was very proud, and excited to show and explain all his plans with his new wife. We all had a great time celebrating at the Big Lodge that weekend. We are very happy Jim’s dreams with Doni all came true. Jim always made you feel welcome and was a blast every time we got together after work for a couple of beers. We will all miss Jim but his memories will live on forever!!!