James Arnett Queen, 81, of Bellefontaine, passed away Friday evening, September 10, 2021, at Springfield Regional Medical Center, with his son Brian, granddaughters Briana and Crystal, and best friend Janet Dunnigan at his side.
Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 2, 1940, to the late Arnett and Goldie Alma (Dodds) Queen. He married Janet L. Cotter on September 30, 1961, in Bellefontaine, and she preceded him in death on July 21, 2010. He was also preceded in death by a son James Andrew Queen, sisters Lena Mae Alexander and Annette Prall, and brothers June Alexander and Richard Queen.
Jim is survived by sons Brian (Marsha) Queen of Springfield, and Roger Queen of Bellefontaine; five grandchildren: Anthony, Adam, Crystal, Briana, and Tyler; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother Don “Duck” Queen of Bellefontaine; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and special friend Janet Dunnigan of Bellefontaine.
A graduate of Bellefontaine High School, Jim grew up in Detroit before moving to Bellefontaine his senior year. He worked as a pin setter at TP Bowling Lanes for many years, and met his future wife Janet at the bowling alley. Jim worked at Rockwell for 15 years, then Port Services for 10 years before retiring. During his retirement he enjoyed making yard ornaments and other wood crafts. Jim was also an animal lover and cherished his cat Tiger.
Jim loved life more than anything. His special times were spent fishing, metal detecting, cruising, pow wows, car shows, seeing family and friends, eating chicken and fish, sitting on the porch with his best friend Janet, watching History Channel, reading, and just getting away and going places.
Jim was the kind of guy you either liked him a lot or just flat out loved him. He had no enemies and never complained – even when things were bad. Jim was always curious about the unknowns and loved research. He will be greatly missed, loved and cherished by his family and many friends.
Blake Kenner will officiate Jim’s funeral service on Monday, September 20, at 1 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, where visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Please be symptom-free, practice social distancing, and please wear a mask due to Covid-19 concerns.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Queen family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.