James A. Arnzen

James “Jim” A. Arnzen, 81 of Harrison, formerly of Ferdinand, died Thursday, October 27, 2022 at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’ Alene after a brief battle with cancer. Jim was born June 21, 1941, the second son to Tony and Stella (Wimer) Arnzen in Ferdinand, Idaho.

Jim spent his childhood going to school and working on the Arnzen Farm, dealing daily with various farming and cattle needs. After graduating high school in 1959, he stayed on the farm for a year while his brother, Fred, was off in the service. Once Fred returned from the service and continued his role in the farm, Jim flew out to the Midwest. He went to heavy equipment school and began to work on a road construction crew for J.F. Konen.

Jim always had a passion for new things. One day he decided to buy an airplane, and his uncle Louis Wimer taught him to fly. He proceeded to spend his days off flying all over the states. He later settled in Spokane, Washington and went to work for Lunden Inc. where he fabricated and welded automatic lumber stacking equipment. Through this job, Jim got the privilege to travel across all 50 U.S states setting up and modifying their machinery.

Jim later married Berti Collins on December 11, 1982 and worked with her at Berti’s Glove Company producing gloves, baby booties, vests, and much more. They eventually settled in Harrison, Idaho. Jim continued to fabricate and weld by getting a job at HDB Marine welding floating docks. There he made boat sheds and thousands of dock pilings. Jim spent his final years as the caretaker for Powderhorn Land and Cattle Company. Jim was always an avid hunter and woodsman. He loved to make rifles and reload for accuracy.

Jim was a selfless man and gave his time to help anyone in need.

He is preceded in death by his mother Stella, father Anthony, sisters Joan and Eloise, and brother Fred.

He is survived by his wife Berti, son Shawn, daughter Loni, and brother Randy as well as his stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A rosary will be recited on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at Assumption Catholic Church, Ferdinand at 10:30 am with Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 am. Dinner and Social will follow the mass immediately after at the Hall. Private family burial will take place at Ferdinand Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at blackmerfuneralhome.com.

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