James Blythe McArthur
We are entirely heartbroken to share that our youngest son, James Blythe McArthur, although at peace no longer walks this earth with us.
Born on Oct. 16, 1982, on Sweetest Day, and named James after the classic James Taylor song ‘Sweet Baby James,’ he brought a special light into our world from the very beginning.
From birth, his life was one of quiet perseverance as he endured life-threatening illnesses and medical procedures. Yet, those hardships never broke his uniquely gentle soul. With a sharp mind and an early sense of humor, he was the kind of child whom we and his teachers affectionately called the ‘Little Professor.’
He possessed a quiet focus, loved reading, chess, video games, knights in armor and the art of fencing—even qualifying for the Junior Olympics. He enjoyed practicing archery with his Dad, who also taught him how to build rockets, leading to some of our favorite family moments, launching them with his brothers.
His natural fairness led him to be chosen as a peer conflict manager at school, displaying an early empathy that would follow him throughout his life. As he grew, that combination of intelligence, unique talent and quiet resilience stayed with him, anchoring his spirit as he transitioned into adulthood.
James became a man who marched to the beat of his own drum—stubbornly independent, private and complex. Covered in tattoos, he looked like a total tough guy on the outside, but underneath was a deeply caring man who would have given the shirt off his back to anyone in need.
He loved to laugh and he genuinely loved to help people, both on the clock and in his everyday life outside of work. He always had a million plans spinning in his head of things he wanted to do and, whenever James decided to take something on, he always wanted to go BIG. That independent spirit even showed up in his wardrobe, as he is fondly remembered for his absolute love of wearing shiny, flashy shirts.
The illnesses he faced in his youth shaped his profound empathy and ultimately guided his career path, leading him to become a skilled, passionate paramedic. He was exceptional in his role, finding quiet pride and purpose in caring for patients during their most vulnerable moments in the emergency room at Hillcrest Hospital.
That same caring heart made him a compassionate, supportive and loyal friend. When he was off the clock, he found peace in the quiet rhythm of nature and took great care in tending to his yard, which, in his mind, was absolutely pristine.
James had a huge passion for animals, especially exotic and unusual types, as well as cats and dogs. He was a total magnet for strays; he would frequently call his Mom to adopt a lost animal, and though she predictably said no, James never gave up until he had personally found a safe, loving home for every single one of them.
The absolute brightest light in his world was his 7-year-old daughter, who sweetly describes her Dad as simply being “nice.” Though his struggles often kept him from being as present in her daily life as he wished to be, his love for her was fierce, unconditional and completely untouched by his personal burdens.
Bound by their deep love for their daughter, James maintained a unique and beautiful relationship with his former wife and best friend. Their ability to remain close, supportive and true friends throughout his life was a testament to the genuine connection they shared.
Beneath his vibrant spirit and his deep love for his family, James fought a long, quiet struggle for his peace. While that battle often made his journey through life difficult, it did not define him. We choose instead to remember his big heart, his quick wit, his mischievous sense of humor, his quiet brilliance and his special way with words that always found a way to bring a smile to those he loved.
Holding his memory close are those he leaves behind, including his loving parents, Mac and Liz McArthur, of Chester Township, Ohio; brother, Justin McArthur (Madalyn), of Chardon, Ohio; his precious daughter, Amelia Anne; former wife, Jenifer Chapman, of Shaker Heights, Ohio; his former in-law family, the Chapmans of Shaker Heights; his nieces, Olivia, Miriam, Stella, Aliyah and Naomi McArthur; many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins; his dearest friends, Matt Shriver and Ray Anderson; and ever-present advisors, Phil Katz, Don Landies, Mark Pekoc, John Sobolewski and Charlie Lazzaro.
In his private journals, James shared he had personally experienced the unfathomable extent of God’s love during his journey on earth, giving him the quiet assurance that he would meet God in a loving embrace. Our hearts find great comfort and joy in this beautiful truth and in knowing that as he arrived home he was met first by his eldest brother, Emerson.
A private family service was held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Munson Township, Ohio, with the gentle assistance of Marc H. Burr and Vicki Drugatz of Burr Funeral Home and the Rev. Dr. Matthew Zuehlke of Christ Presbyterian Church.
To honor James’s truest spirit and the light he brought into our world, we invite all those who wish to share in his memory and support our family to join us for a farewell gathering and celebration Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Christ Presbyterian Church, 12419 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. We will come together to greet one another, followed by a special service of remembrance in the sanctuary. Afterward, we will celebrate his deep love for God’s creatures with a live animal show that promises to be fun for children and guests of all ages, followed by food and fellowship.
We are grateful for the outpouring of love and for all of you who have asked how you can support us as we navigate this profound loss. After much reflection, we have an answer for you. We want to turn our deepest sorrow into a future of hope for a child. Using our grief to help build a family will turn our loss into a lifelong blessing for someone else.
In doing this, we are anchoring our hearts on and in Isaiah 61:3, a powerful promise of divine healing and transformation. This scripture assures us that God will exchange our deepest suffering for joy and strength, giving us a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness.
As we cling to this promise, we invite you to honor James’s memory by directing your kindness to fund the adoption journey for Jalmel and Carla Coleman, who have struggled through years of infertility. Instead of flowers, please channel your generosity here to help them create their family. Every gift, no matter the size, truly helps bring life out of loss and beauty out of these ashes.
Donations can be made online at: https://bothhands.org/project/coleman-1550/
For those who prefer to mail a check, please make it payable to: Both Hands (memo: Coleman 1550) and mail to Both Hands P.O. Box 2713 Brentwood, TN 37024.
Arrangements are entrusted to The Original Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
