James "Jim" Timothy Pool

James Timothy Pool, a lifelong resident of Arlington, Texas, passed away on May 31, 2026, from respiratory failure after surviving a long battle with throat cancer. Jim, as he was known to all, was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 14, 1958. He was the fifth child born to Edward and Elizabeth Pool and the youngest sibling of three brothers and a beloved sister. The family lived on West Park Row in Arlington, which was also home to many extended relatives. From early on, Jim exhibited a kind, caring and gentle personality and a devotion to the needs of each of them. As years passed, Jim would be a mainstay for his mother, sister Teresa and brother, Mike, when age and health issues required his attention and caretaking.

His early school years took place at St. Maria Goretti Catholic School before graduating from Arlington High School and attending the University of Texas at Arlington for several years. A good student with a range of interests, Jim’s love of reading and research aided his zest for knowledge. Initially influenced by his parents, older brothers, and sister, Jim absorbed the culture of his surroundings and developed a deep interest in music, movies and books. In fact, reading led him to what would form the nucleus of his professional career, which in turn would provide him with a path to his most important lifetime relationship.

In two stints, from 1977-1979 and 1987-2013 Jim was employed at Arlington Public Library serving the community as he attained the role of Public Service Coordinator. Over his years in that capacity, his contributions helped modernize the systems and bring a card file to a computerized operation along with implementing new payment options to enable credit and debit transactions. As the director of his department, Jim guided staff to productivity and achievement. By his actions and his deeds, Jim was recognized and accepted as the “Boss”. One of the subordinates he supervised was Denise Arnett, herself an avid reader, and over a period they would develop mutual respect which blossomed into a serious and true affection. So serious and so true that Jim, at the ripe age of 53, persuaded Denise that they would wed and on November 24, 2012, they did. Afterwards, Jim liked to elaborate that while he had been her “boss” at the library, once they were married, Denise became his “boss”.

Together they discovered new and shared interests. In sports, Jim revealed himself as an avowed Dallas Cowboys fan while both passionately followed the UNC Tarheels Basketball games. They found adventure in travelling, loving to visit Denise’s children and grandchildren across the Colorado Rockies or explore the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Life was good until the health complications which disrupted their serene union. The challenges of multiple surgeries made Denise the caregiver as recovery efforts and protracted treatments took their toll on them both finally claiming Jim’s life.

Jim Pool was preceded in death by his parents, older brothers, Pat and Mike and his sister, Teresa. Survivors include his loving wife, Denise; stepdaughter, Heather (Aaron) Bankson; stepson, James Arnett; grandchildren, Ian & Anneliese Bankson; siblings, Chris Pool, Sally Pool (wife of Pat), Mary Kay Lohman nee Dunn (Cousin raised as a sister); nieces and nephews, Cindy (Mark) Roberts, David (Cindy) Pool, John Michael (Julie) Pool, Julie Colleen Pool, Christine (Gary) Simpson, Stephen “Chris” (Kristi) Pool, Matt (Adrienne) Pool; eighteen great nieces and nephews, fourteen great great nieces and nephews, and one great great great niece.

The family will receive friends from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Wade Family Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Wade Family Funeral Home. James will be laid to rest at 11am on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Parkdale Cemetery, Arlington, Texas.