James E. Arthur

James E. ArthurJames E. Arthur was born on December 19, 1932, the son of Simon and Irma (Spielberg) Arthur. He died on September 25, 2007 at home, with his wife, children, and grandchildren at his side. Jim was a licensed professional engineer and registered land surveyor. After working briefly for the City of Fond du Lac Engineering Department, he joined his brother's civil engineering and land surveying firm in 1958. He became sole owner of the firm in 1978 under the name J. E. Arthur and Associates, Inc. According to Jim's plan, the firm will continue in business under the ownership of Eric Otte, assisted by Jim's wife, Mary. While engineering was his profession, Jim's first love and lifelong avocation was music. A well-known area trumpet player, he performed at various times with the Jack Wenzlaff Orchestra, the Ron Harvey Orchestra, the Les Palmer Orchestra, the Oconomowoc American Legion Band, the Touch of Brass Quintet, the Jan Garber Orchestra, pit orchestras, church ensembles, and various other musical groups. As a small boy, he was the drum major mascot of the Fond du Lac American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps, and he performed with the marching and concert bands at Oshkosh State College and UW-Madison, including a performance with the UW Marching Band at the 1953 Rose Bowl. In April 2007 he was named a Life Member of the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band, having performed with that organization in the 1950's and again from 1974 through 2006. In 2003, he helped to organize the Lighthouse Big Band, a regional "rehearsal big band" that gathers twice a month to play the great big band music from many eras from the 1940s on. Despite failing health, Jim continued to enjoy performing with his big band at Juke Box Charlie's until just a few weeks ago. Jim was a member of the Fond du Lac Elks Club. He was a former member of the Fond du Lac Evening Optimist Club, the Fond du Lac Yacht Club, and Salem Evangelical United Brethren (now United Methodist) Church. In November, 1965, Jim married Mary Anne Rhodee of Oconomowoc, and shortly thereafter he adopted Mary's two daughters. Over the past twenty years, Jim greatly enjoyed his role as a grandfather, including memorable family trips, attendance at innumerable school band concerts, and Lake Michigan fishing trips. He was also a great friend and "Pa" to generations of musicians who have performed in the Symphonic Band since 1974. Jim is survived by his wife; his daughters: Carol (Brian) Field of Watertown WI and Judith (David) Henning of Fond du Lac; a brother, Robert M. (Sally) Arthur; a sister, Marion S. Seibel, all of Fond du Lac; and his mother-in-law, Carol Rhodee of Fond du Lac. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Ian Arthur of Fond du Lac; and Cameron, Heidi and Georgia Field of Watertown; along with two step-grandchildren, Katie and Niki Field of Watertown. Aunts, Nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends further survive him. His parents; a brother-in-law, John Seibel; a sister-in-law, Joanne Rhodee Hammel; and his father-in-law, Leander Rhodee, preceded him in death.



Visitation for James E. Arthur will take place at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home on Thursday, September 27 from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. Private services for family and close friends will take place on Friday, with Rev. Laurie Stumme-Diers officiating. Interment will be in Rienzi Cemetery. A celebration of Jim's life for all who wish to attend will be announced at a later date. Memorials are requested for the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, to benefit a designated fund that will support big band education and activities for youth and adults in the Fond du Lac. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.comThe family would like to give a special thanks to Hospice Hope, and Drs.Michael Sergi and Ian Furness for their care and compassion.