John Thomas “JT” Arnold, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the age of 68 in his home in Algoma, Mississippi. Having survived a debilitating stroke at the age of 33, he continually faced life’s challenges with courage and humor. JT was born to Dovye Mae and John Thomas Arnold Sr. on July 7, 1955.
As a child and teen, he enjoyed racing go-karts, camping, and water skiing. His family commuted between Pontotoc County and their farm in Tunica, Mississippi, where he often drove a tractor and helped his dad. JT attended Beckham School, where his father served as principal, until its closing. In seventh grade he transferred to Algoma School, which he attended until its closing, and then for his eleventh grade year, South Pontotoc Attendance Center was opened. In high school, JT played a variety of sports, was involved in the Beta Club, and served as class President. He was among the South Pontotoc Class of 1973, the second graduating class of South Pontotoc, and maintained many close friendships with classmates throughout his life. JT married his highschool sweetheart Teresa Jan McCoy on June 26, 1977. His young adult years were spent as a truck driver, auto body worker, and farmer. He was a member of Algoma Baptist Church and a lifelong resident of Pontotoc County.
Following his stroke, he was greatly helped by the staff of the Regional Rehab Center in Tupelo, where he developed strong relationships with his therapists. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to JT. He loved watching his sons, and later his grandchildren, play ball. His greatest joy was being T Pop to his grandchildren, who range in age from four to thirteen. He spent many hours eating popsicles with them, asking them about their school work and activities, and laughing about a television show or a favorite memory. He loved sitting on the porch with his wife, sons, and grandchildren, recalling childhood memories from the farm in the Delta. He maintained a daily routine of driving around the community to visit with friends and neighbors. His grin and laughter and special ability to face life with humor will be greatly missed. He met serious difficulties in his adult years with determination and tenacity, yet he never took himself too seriously. He leaves us with many happy memories, and his legacy will always remind us that joy is a choice and that life spent laughing with those you love is the best kind of life we could want.
JT is survived by his wife Teresa, two sons: John Thomas Arnold III “Jake” (Desi) and Jared Tyler Arnold (Maggie), six grandchildren: Beckham Thomas, John Harvey, Maeda Jean, Isabella Ruth, Hattie Faye, and Ike Monroe, one sister: Shirley Collums (Rickey), and multiple special cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Browning Funeral Home on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 5 to 7 pm and on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 10 am. A celebration of JT’s life will be held at Browning Funeral Home on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11:00 am, followed by a burial ceremony at Old Monroe Cemetery in Pontotoc County.
Pallbearers will be Beckham Arnold, John Harvey Arnold, Jimmy Collums, Luke Collums, Heath Day, and Brad Mayo. Honorary pallbearers will be Ike Monroe Arnold, Rickey Collums, Jimmy Williamson, Tommy Day, and Jay Russell.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to give memorials to Regional Rehab Center (615 Pegram Drive, Tupelo).
