The TowneLaker's
2004 Father of the Year
Jim Arnold

They are our protectors. We look to them to be strong, caring, loving and fun. They are our fathers, and every year in June we celebrate and honor them. The TowneLaker received numerous nominations for our annual Father of the Year contest, which proves there's a lot of great dads in the Towne Lake area. However, letters from James and Evan Arnold about their dad, Jim, won the Community Board's hearts, and they chose Jim Arnold as our Father of the Year.

Jim originates from Thomasville, Georgia. He and his wife Amanda live in the Summerchase neighborhood along with their three children, James, age 8, Evan, age 5, and Annie, 3½ months. Jim is an account manager for Orasi Software, and owns A Limo Company. His career life is demanding, yet Jim finds time to coach James' football team and spends a lot of time with his children fishing, boating and going to the beach. Jim's best quality is that his children always come first. "Spending time with his children is a number one priority to Jim. His personal needs always come after the children's," said Amanda.

The true test for Jim as a father came, however, when his wife was pregnant with Annie. Amanda unexpectedly had to go into the hospital at 24 weeks for a few days of bed rest. A few days turned into three months, and rather than accepting the offers of friends and neighbors to keep the kids during this time, Jim took on the role of mother and father. He continued to work his two jobs, while juggling James' and Evan's after school schedules. He took the children every weekend to visit Amanda, and they celebrated every holiday along the way from Halloween pumpkin carving to New Year's Eve - all from the comfort of the hospital room. It was a trying time, but according to Pastor Richard Hunter, "Jim had a gentle, peaceful way of dealing with conflicts and stress." Amanda said, "Jim went to great lengths to make sure James and Evan felt secure during my absence." During that time, the most important thing Jim learned was not to take anything for granted. He came to appreciate and prioritize what was really important in life.

James and Evan certainly appreciate their father. When asked what they liked best about their dad, James said, "He takes me places I haven't been before. We go hunting, and he spends a lot of time with me." Evan said, "He helps me a lot, especially when I broke my arm at school (which happened while Amanda was on bed rest). I love him."

The one piece of advice Jim has for his children is "to know Jesus."

Congratulations, Jim, for being selected as The TowneLaker's 2004 Father of the Year!

The Arnold family. Front row (left to right): Annie and Evan. Middle row: Jim and Amanda. Back row: James.

"I think my dad should be father of the year because he's the best dad ever. Me and my dad like to go fishing and hunting. My dad makes me feel special and he is my best friend. Me and him like to go to the lake and campout together. During football season, my dad coaches my football team and we watch all the football games together. He is more special than any other dad because my mom was in the hospital for three months and he did everything. He took us to the hospital to see my mom. He made us breakfast in the morning and made dinner at night. My dad has taught me to be a good friend so I will have more friends."

- James Arnold, age 8

 "My daddy makes me feel special. He helps me out a lot. He is more special than other dads because he can do everything. When I do not want to get up in the mornings or I am sad, he turns into the Tickle Monster. Daddy teaches me to be nice to other people."

- Evan Arnold, age 5