James Bernard “Jim” Arend
James Bernard “Jim” Arend, 88, long-time resident of Antwerp, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at The Lodge Nursing & Rehab Center in Loveland, Ohio. Jim was born September 1, 1937, in Mark Center, Ohio, son of the late Bernard J. and Mary B. (Kenner) Arend.
Jim began his life-long love of farming when he was a young boy helping his father and uncles. His family were members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hicksville where he sang in the choir, often accompanied by his mother, the parish’s long-time organist. He attended the Mark Center School, where he participated in many activities, including FFA, baseball, basketball, choir, and band. Graduating in 1955, Jim continued farming, and played trumpet in a dance band at events all around northwest Ohio. On October 18, 1960, Jim enlisted in the Army National Guard, serving six years and reaching the rank of Staff Sargent First Class before his honorable discharge on October 17, 1966. He worked as a proud UAW machinist at Dana-Weatherhead in Antwerp for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2001. In retirement, he was a field inspector for the Ohio Seed Improvement Association for many years.
On April 1, 1967, Jim married Joanne R. “Joni” Sadoski at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Temperance, MI. They shared 52 years together until her passing on May 21, 2019. After he married Joni, they became members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church (now Divine Mercy) in Antwerp. They raised their children with a focus on their Catholic faith, education, and community service. They dearly loved their grandchildren, and Jim often played music with and sang with the kids. Jim and Joni loved to dance together, and in their later years enjoyed attending concerts.
Faith, music, and community service were all parts of who Jim was. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus (St. Joseph Council 2584, Paulding, Ohio), coordinator of the lectors for mass, and a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Mary’s. He was a talented musician who sang with the Northwesternaires Barbershop Chorus and played for 26 years in the Antwerp Community Band. Over many years, he felt honored to play taps for dozens of military funerals and donated 183 units of blood (nearly 23 gallons, with each donation saving up to 3 lives). Overall, Jim was a resilient man who worked through life’s difficulties while always showing kindness toward others. He was a loyal and loving husband and father.
In his later years, Jim loved to go to the Paulding County Senior Center where he had lunch with friends, played a mean game of euchre, and attended Bible study. He received care from various organizations over time, including Community Health Professionals, Vancrest of Payne’s assisted living, and Vancrest of Hicksville’s rehab and long-term care. His final months were spent closer to family near Cincinnati in memory care at The Lodge. The Arends would like to sincerely thank all the kind, hardworking professionals who cared for Jim over the years.
Surviving are his four children, Dominic N. (Mary Kate) Arend of Urbana, IL, David J. Arend of North Royalton, OH, Barbara J. (Jeffrey) Arend-Hendricks of Cincinnati, OH, and Patricia L. Arend of Waltham, MA; seven grandchildren, Bernard, Samuel, Jakob, Miriam and Grace Arend, and Ryan and Megan Hendricks; and one sister, Rosemary V. (John) Broxon of Pleasant Lake, IN. Jim was preceded in death by his dear parents and by his beloved wife, Joni.
Visitation for James Bernard “Jim” Arend will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 2:00-7:00 P.M. at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 706 North Main Street, Hicksville, where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 P.M. to be followed by the Rosary. A funeral mass for Jim will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 100 Antwerp Drive, Hicksville, with Father Daniel Borgelt officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville, where Military Rites will be accorded by the combined honor detail from the Hicksville American Legion Post 223, Farmer American Legion Post 137, and Sherwood VFW Post 5665.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Divine Mercy (Paulding) or St. Michael’s (Hicksville) or to the Paulding County Senior Center.
Condolences may be sent to the family, or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.
