A Memorial Visitation for James F. Arnesen, PhD, 82 of Hawthorn Woods, will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 415 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich.
James was born on March 29, 1941, in Chicago, and passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in Hawthorn Woods.
Beloved husband of Valerie D. (nee Juhl); loving brother of Chris (Bob) Fuller, dear brother-in-law of Karen (late Barry) Juhl, Susie (Barry) Wooley, Lori (Gerry) Goetz; fond cousin of Doris (Jim) Pool, and Richard (Deb) Marx; also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews as well as an extended family in Florida.
Jim joined the biology department at Harper College in 1972 and was chairman for many years.
In lieu of flowers Jim would want you to do something for someone else or for the earth; give to a charity of your choice, or donate to:
James F. and Valerie D. Arnesen
Biology Endowment Scholarship
Harper College Educational Foundation
1200 West Algonquin Road
Palatine, Illinois 60067-9987
So, others can achieve their dreams more easily.
Jim was a wonderful mentor for my generation of Biologists at Harper. I learned how to be an effective faculty member from watching his actions. Administrators and other faculty would defer to his positions since everyone knew he had the best interests of students at heart. It did not matter how much extra work it might cause him; he always did what was right. I was pleased to be his colleague.
I fully agree with the comment by Randy S. The Biology Department and Harper College was well served by Jim Arnesen as department chair and innovative teacher/professor. Jim set a quality tone, provided a professional academic environment and an enthusiastic desire to serve for all who was in his presence.
Jim was a first class teacher, mentor, colleague and dear friend to each one of us everyday. On the job he focused on our mission: to serve our students. Even when times were tough for Jim when he was struggling with health issues, he was there to assist colleagues. We have truly lost a valued member of the Harper team!