James Earl Arthur was born on July 29‚ 1988‚ at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital in Concord‚ North Carolina. The first child of Linwood ‘Woody’ and Terri Arthur‚ James was later blessed with two sisters‚ Shannon Lynn and Whitney Roxann. James was an enthusiastic child who loved being outdoors. Playing coach pitch baseball‚ soccer‚ hunting deer‚ and riding any type of tractor or mower were some of the many things he enjoyed doing.

In October of 1999‚ at the age of 11‚ James joined Boy Scout Troop 59 in Concord. As a Boy Scout‚ James received merit badges for crime prevention‚ fitness‚ camping‚ cooking‚ cycling‚ fishing‚ forestry‚ emergency preparedness‚ first aid‚ plumbing‚ motor boating‚ pioneering and electricity‚ as a result of excelling in these areas.

However‚ anyone that was acquainted with James could tell you that firefighting was his first love and true dedication. His desire to grow up and be like his dad was expressed in a variety of ways‚ and on November 18‚ 2004‚ at the age of 16‚ James’ dream became reality when he was inducted into the Cold Water Fire Department.

James graduated from Concord High School on June 10‚ 2007. As a student‚ he was given an assignment to write about himself. He wrote the following: ‘I live with my mom‚ dad and sisters. My favorite subject is math. When I have time to myself‚ I enjoy going to the fire department or working on cars. When I complete school‚ I intend to work as a full-time firefighter.’

James was anxious to finally have the opportunity to stay the night at the fire department with his father‚ who was also a firefighter. You could see James’ face illuminate with pleasure as he accompanied his dad to rush out into the world of fire rescue. These were the days he enjoyed and loved the most. Knowing he was going out to help or possibly save somebody’s life was an experience that brought passion into his eyes.

On February 11‚ 2008‚ while James was responding to a call‚ he was involved in a tragic car accident that resulted in the loss of James Arthur’s precious life. He was unexpectedly taken from our lives and is truly missed. The entire community mourned the death of James Arthur. However‚ we know that James is at peace with the Lord and is looking down on us every day and smiling with pride. His sister Shannon is now following in his footsteps and is pursuing a career as a firefighter and EMT.