James Douglas Arnold Jr. was born on September 12, 1949, to the beloved Rosetta and James D. Arnold Sr. in Cincinnati, Ohio.

James attended Our Savior's Elementary School and Lincoln Grant High School in Covington, Kentucky.

In 1969, James was drafted into the military, where he completed a four-year term. Upon discharge from the military, James gave his life to Islam. James enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved to go to the park to socialize with friends, watch sports (basketball and football), and sit on his back deck listening to his smooth jazz music.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Rosetta and James D. Arnold Sr., two sisters, Ruthstine Jackson and Sheila Arnold, and one brother, Jerome Arnold.

He leaves to mourn his passing, Deborah Sterling Arnold (wife), seven children, Juan, Todd, Kareem, Shamil, Aminah, Jamal, and Jordan, four step children, Larry, Natasha, Aurelia, and Brandon, seven sisters, Janet Daniels, Pamela Thompson, Denise Arnold Sayem, Jacqueline Arnold, Carmen (Oscar) Mosely, Robin Arnold, Rhonda Arnold, one brother, Wayne Arnold, and a host of grandkids, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home - Covington, 1129 Garrard Street, Covington, Kentucky  (41011).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

Interment will follow at Mother of God Cemetery, 3125 Madison Avenue, Fort Wright, Kentucky 41015.

To share a memory of James or leave a special message for the Arnold family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Arnold family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.