Rev. James Henry Arbuckle, Jr., 70, of Atwood, IL has been called to his Heavenly Home leaving a legacy of faith and love. Jim passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 3:45 p.m. surrounded by family and friends.

Jim was born August 19, 1955, at Jarman Hospital in Tuscola, IL. He was the son of Mabel Catherine (Kitty) Dickerson. On October 12, 1974, he married the love of his life Joanne Kay Southard, and they shared 51 devoted and loving years together.

Jim’s pride and joy was the family he and Joanne created. They were blessed with two children, Jeremy (Melissa) Arbuckle of Villa Grove, IL and Jaime (Marcelo) Chavez of Decatur, IL. The blessings continued with their five grandsons Mathew James Arbuckle, Atwood, IL, Micah Joseph Arbuckle, Atwood, IL, Michael Jacob Arbuckle, Fairport, NY, Jameson Dale Arbuckle, Villa Grove, IL, Marcelo Antonio Chavez, Jr., Decatur, IL and great-grandson Mateo Xavier Chavez, Decatur, IL, sister Mary Lou (Casper) Kellems, brother Jimbo Arbuckle, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was an ordained minister for thirty plus years. He was a man of God and his faith was unwavering. He loved his church family at the First Baptist Church in Atwood, IL. He found his forever church family with them and loved serving others as he helped with the food pantry.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. He passed his love of the outdoors down to his son and grandsons.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, brother Tony Arbuckle, sister Hope Ortega and nephew Scott Arbuckle.

The family would like to express their greatest appreciation to Jim’s longtime caregiver Heidi Marner who has become a cherished family member.

The family would ask you to join us in honoring this amazing life lived. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 1-2 pm at the First Baptist Church in Atwood, IL. Funeral Services will be held immediately following the visitation.

Memorial Contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Atwood, IL.

Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Atwood, IL is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com