James Robert Arndt

May 18, 1933 - January 27, 2022

Memorial services for James Arndt, 88 of Giddings, Texas are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings, Texas with Rev. Robert Tiner and Vicar Josh Hahn officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home. The family will be present for visitation Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. James Robert Arndt was born on May 18, 1933 in Harlingen, Texas to Rev. Arthur and Cornelia (Schnedler) Arndt. He was baptized on May 28, 1933 in Harlingen by his father, Rev. Arthur Arndt. On May 16, 1948, James was confirmed St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wharton, Texas also by his father. James graduated from Giddings High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Sam Houston State University. He fell in love with Joyce Gruetzner and they were married on July 24, 1955 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings with Rev. Max Studtmann and Rev. Arndt officiating. Soon after, James joined the Army and served two years on active duty and eight years in the reserves. He played the clarinet in the 55th Army Band. He began working for Gruetzner’s Furniture Store where he became a co-owner. James was very active in the Giddings community and served on the Giddings City Council and also served as mayor. He was known to be patient, saw both sides of an issue, and was fair. Both he and Joyce were very active with Rotary and enjoyed trips around the world with Rotary International and always went to district functions; both were Paul Harris Fellows. James served two terms as President of the Rotary Club of Giddings. He was also a very faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. James would fill in for the band and choir directors when there was a need. He also taught Sunday school for the high school students and served as congregational president. He enjoyed attending the Round Top Festival Institute with his family. He always talked about the 3 B’s – Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Starting with model airplanes, James shared a love of flight. He enjoyed taking trips flying with his son to see different air shows and short trips just to see the countryside. James will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love of people, being a wonderful husband and father, and for his faith in Christ. James passed away the morning of Thursday, January 27, 2022 in Round Rock, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Arthur & Cornelia Arndt; two brothers, Charles & Ernestine Arndt and Arthur & Aileen Arndt; two sisters, Lois & Doug Halverson and Margaret & John Boerger, and brother-in-law, Bill Chapman. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joyce Arndt of Giddings; son, Jim & Rikki Arndt of Pflugerville; two grandsons, John and Joel Arndt of Pflugerville; sister, Mary Beth Chapman of Florida; one brother, Bill & Annabeth Arndt of Georgia, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 300 North Grimes, Giddings, Texas 78942, Round Top Festival Institute, P.O. Box 89, Round Top, Texas 78954, Rotary Club of Giddings, P.O. Box 81, Giddings, Texas 78942 or to the charity of one’s choice.