James Joseph Arena, 45, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at his residence. Jimmy was born in Waltham on September 8, 1968 to James J. Arena and Donna (Roay) Igoe, where he lived the majority of his life and where many of his friends and extended family still reside. He was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiast, an operator of a bicycle-repair business and a lover of animal, often rescuing stray or abandoned animals in need.

     Survivors include his parents, James J. Arena Sr. of St. Cloud, Florida and Donna T. Igoe of Bellingham; his sisters, Denise J. Arena of Westborough and Dawn R. Arena-Simandl of Kissimmee, Florida; and a daughter, Haley L. LeBlanc of Athol.

     A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on both Wednesday, February 5th and Thursday February 6th at the Osceola Memory Gardens & Funeral Home, 2000 13th Street, St. Cloud, Florida, 34769, with the family receiving friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on both nights at the funeral home. A graveside service will also be held in Jimmy’s home state of Massachusetts at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Worcester County Memorial Park, 214 Richards Avenue, Paxton, immediately followed by a Mercy Dinner at the Manor Restaurant, 42 West Boylston Street, West Boylston. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in Jimmy’s name to the Last Hope K9 Rescue, 71 Commercial Street # 184, Boston, MA 02109 or at www.lasthopeK9.org. Arrangements in Massachusetts are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.