James "Jim" A. Arkell, 61, of Weeki Wachee, Fla., died May 12. A native of Newtown, he was born October 16, 1954, to Norma (Miller) and Alfred E. Arkell, one of three children.

Mr Arkell moved to Citrus County 22 years ago from Bethel, and to Weeki Wachee two years ago. He enjoyed a long career as a long distance truck driver, working for commercial carriers over the years in the states of Indiana, Washington, Tennessee, and Florida. He loved his job as a trucker and visited every state in America except Alaska in his duties.

He was passionate about motorcycles and loved everything about Harley-Davidson. He also enjoyed reading, fishing, and spending precious time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War era, from 1972 to 1975.

Mr Arkell is survived by his loving wife, Dianna Arkell, with whom he shared nearly 41 years; daughter Crystal Jacob (Brad Hollis, Jr), of Weeki Wachee, Fla.; Michelle Mosier (Marcus), Jacksonville, Fla.; his mother, Norma Arkell, Homosassa, Fla.; brother Kenneth Arkell (Lisa), New Hampshire; sister Judith Ozment (Jerry), Dade City, Fla.; and grandchildren Matthew, Taylor, Nickolas, Lillian, and Adrian Jacob, as well as Donovan Mosier.

He was predeceased by his father, and a brother-in-law, Joe Ozment.

A celebration of Mr Arkell's life will be held at Wilder Funeral Home in Homosassa, Fla., on May 23. Interment with military honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla.