James Edward McArthur died August 22, 2009, in St. Luke's Hospital with his wife Karilyn, Aunt Joan, Uncle Norm and step daughter Lisa at his side after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The memorial service will be held at the Cedar Memorial Chapel 10 AM on August 28th. Chaplain (Col) Lance Kittleson of the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command Army Reserve will officiate. James Edward McArthur (ret) will be laid to rest at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery.

James McArthur was born in Waukegan, Ill on December 30, 1946. The son of Gilbert and Roberta Duffield McArthur. He graduated from Jefferson High School on June 3, 1965. He attended Winona State in Winona, Mn. and graduated June 12, 1970. He received his Master of Arts from the University of Iowa on May 16, 1987.

''Mac'' taught at Wilson School in Cedar Rapids for 34 years. He retired in 2008. Mr. McArthur taught over 3,000 students in that period of time. He was a positive influence on his students and has remained in touch with many of his former students.

He served as a baseball coach for years, served as an announcer with the Kennedy baseball Cougars and worked with the Cedar Rapids baseball league. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan since childhood.

He entered the United States Army on September 22, 1970, and served in the Vietnam War until April 25, 1972. He was with A Company 2nd 501st Infantry 101st Airborne Division, Alpha Avengers. He served in the Army Reserve until he retired September 21, 1996. Command Sergeant Major McArthur received many honors during the years he served his beloved country.

"Mac was a meritorious soldier and an excellent educator. He was a loving husband, father, step father, step grandfather and a friend to many.

Mac was preceded in death by his mother in Feb 1999, and his father in Oct, 2004. Jim is survived by his wife Karilyn, son James E. McArthur, Jr, his wife Erin McArthur, and their son Preston. daughter Jennifer (Simon Frost) of Woodland Hills, CA. step daughter Lisa Stanford, grandchildren Jessica Rose and Billy Aiello. Aunts and uncles, Joan and Norm Krug of Dixon, Ill, Richard and Donna Duffield of Polo, Ill, Geneva Duffield of Weslaco, TX, Betty Wiiken of Irvington, VA, Milo and Joan O'Dell , Burlington, WI. Mother in Law Ilo Rodenberg, sisters in law Marilyn (Alvin Svestka), Janet (Steve Christianson), brothers in law William Rodenberg (Beverly), Robert Rodenberg (Vickie), of Garnavillo, IA and Brian (Vicki) of Elkader, IA.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.