James P. "Jimmy" Arthur

DANVERS – Mr. James P. “Jimmy” Arthur, 97 of Danvers, loving husband of Paula (Santana) Arthur, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14th, 2024 in the comfort of his home, with his family by his side.  

Born in Chelsea, Jimmy was the son of the late James P. and Marion G. (Roberts) Arthur. He was raised and educated in Chelsea, graduating from Chelsea High School, class of 1944.

Following his high school graduation, Jimmy enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Jimmy served as a member of the United States Air Force Reserves on the Hanscom Air Force base in Lexington where he served as a weather station observer from 1950 to 1953.

A hard and dedicated worker, Jimmy started his professional career upon his release from the military, first starting with Emerson Textile where he worked as a product shipper from 1949 – 1953. He would then dedicate the next 4 years with A.L. Smith Florescent Lighting where he served as the shop steward and helped managed the packaging of their products. It was during this time that he served as the recording secretary for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and served 3 terms as the shop steward and record secretary for the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. Jimmy fostered many connections through these organizations and valued them throughout his entire professional career. Jimmy would go on to dedicate the remainder of his professional career as a Federal Mediator for the United States Government from 1976 – 1999, where he diligently worked on mediating contract negotiations, labor disputes, grievances and age discrimination complains until the time of his retirement in 1999.

In retirement, Jimmy thrived. He enjoyed traveling all over the world with his beloved wife Paula, taking month long excursions to many places but most remarkably, Africa, Israel, Spain and Thailand. Jimmy was passionate about life, his family and friends and focused on the task at hand and what needed to be done. He had a larger-than-life personality, his presence was always known, whether by his own great powerful laugh or by the laughter he created with a classic Jimmy joke. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife, Paula of Danvers, with whom Jimmy shared nearly 42 years of marriage, he is survived by his loving niece, Georgina Insdorf, and devoted nephews, Gino Roberts and Gene I. Roberts.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jimmy’s funeral service which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Monday, April 22nd at 4 P.M. Visiting hours will be held prior to his service from 2 to 4 P.M. Burial will be privately held. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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