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I wish you had known my son James

James Hayward Arnal was born on April 9th, 1983 in Kelvington, Saskatchewan at 2:22 a.m. Mom and Dad moved the family to Winnipeg just in time for James to start pre-school. He attended Howden School and College Beliveau graduating in 2001.

Growing up he enjoyed Beavers, video games, hockey, the outdoors, camping, and collecting hockey cards. He loved animals and people, meeting strangers, hiking, children, travelling, and he was proud to be Canadian.

"I have never known anyone quite like him. He was fearless, so confident and focused on how he - as an individual - would make a difference." said his brother Andrew.

Jim, or James as he preferred to be called, had a natural zest for life. He had done more and seen more than most people in just 25 years. He travelled to Europe, New Zealand and Australia alone meeting people everywhere he went collecting friends like others might collect stamps or coins. He climbed Kilimanjaro, went on an African safari, swam with the sharks, bungee jumped many times, completed a three day Sea to Summit race, skydived, played crib with old folks, wrote to many students from Afghanistan, adopted many of his friend's moms and dads, played street hockey, achieved green belt level Taekwondo, loved fishing and hunting, especially enjoyed camping and hiking having conquered the Mantario and BC¹s West Coast Trails. He even joined gymnastics, but that was to watch and meet the girls! James actually had finished high school half a term early and achieved acquiring a technology certificate which he explored for about three years. He would later use this knowledge to keep in touch with many, many friends and he shared his knowledge of computers as he became the family and friends "go to" person regarding their challenges with technology. Whether people knew him through school, scouts, hockey, military or travelling, this enviable quality was what made him unique. A true ambassador for life, he embraced life with open arms! Always up for adventure and never backing down from a challenge, James was the friend, brother and son that anyone would want to have. His caring nature, sense of humour and strong personality made those close to him feel special to have known such a great person.

James was fortunate to know at a very early age what he wanted to be and what he wanted to do. As a young boy, he even told his mother that playing Atari, Nintendo, Sega, etc. He was honing his eye and hand co-ordination. This proved to be true as stories of his heroic behaviours as a soldier came to light after his death. As he matured he realized and learned through his experiences how he could contribute and make a difference. While growing up it was his nature to support and encourage his friends and family to believe in themselves and have the confidence to do what would make them happy, to live life to the fullest. These traits exemplified themselves as he realized the seriousness and importance of his work in Afghanistan and most prevalently the hardships and danger to his buddies and himself. He became focused on their safety and endurance to the point of challenging Generals on their visits to the outposts. When he knew he was right his confidence would lead him and he would voice his opinion and help make change happen. To experience life meant to always try to better himself, be with people, have many interests, and to contribute his part to making this world a better place. "Do or do not, there is no try". He developed and honed his God given talents and was able to balance his life with purpose and meaning. James joined the Canadian Forces in 2004, and became a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), based in Shilo, Manitoba. He followed in the footsteps of his namesake, grandfather Jim Hayward and his father Raymond Arnal, who both served with the PPCLI.

James' first tour of Afghanistan began in August of 2006. His desire to go originated from his thrill seeking adventurous nature but when he returned to Canada on February 14, 2007 he immediately said he would return for a second tour. He had seen the reality of an impoverished nation, where the people relied on the help of NATO forces to keep those who oppressed freedom at bay. He wanted to make a difference, and on February 14th, 2008 James left for his second tour to do just that. James felt very strongly that everyone had the right to live a decent life. It angered him that children were caught up in the conflict and that the Taliban grossly took advantage of people less fortunate, less educated and less able to help themselves. He believed for himself, it was the right thing to do and somebody had to help them. The deaths of soldiers reported also deeply affected him. A letter he wrote to a student asking him to share his birthday wish with her was responded with a sincere and genuine wish for a moment of silence for all fallen heroes. James was the 88th soldier killed in action in the Afghanistan conflict during the 88th year of remembrance days.

July 18, 2008, while on foot patrol in the Panjwaii District, James was killed by an improvised explosive device. His death affected the lives of countless friends, family members and Canadians from across the country. James paid the ultimate sacrifice for those who needed him the most, and this will never be forgotten. James truly enjoyed his life; he was where he wanted to be, doing what he wanted to be doing. He saw a chance to make a difference, and he seized the opportunity.

One of James' favorite mottos was Carpe Diem, Latin for 'seize the day'. He lived this motto through everything he did. Whether he was travelling in Africa, enjoying life at home, or in combat in Afghanistan, James lived every day as though it was his last. Ironically enough Jim's motto in basic training was, "We can rest when we die".

Jim loved animals and while growing up always had one as a pet. His brother Andrew had purchased a black lab a year and a half before Jim's death and Jim grew very close to Marty. He was always trying to take him home to Shilo. Jim would always take Marty to the lake where they would practice Marty's long jump off the dock. Marty passed away five days before Jim and Andrew never had a chance to tell him. It brings him comfort to know that they are together.

James was laid to rest November 11, 2008. The only Canadian soldier to be buried on Remembrance Day. It seemed such a fitting day as it served as his final tribute to his fallen comrades that he felt so deeply for. He even referred to them as "my fallen comrades". He was an ordinary person doing extraordinary things and leaves that legacy for us to follow and learn from. Ordinary people can make a difference! His foundation, Carpe Diem 88 Inc. and Pillows for Troops is dedicated to his memory and both foundations look forward to meeting more people like him ... ordinary people that want to do extraordinary things!

We love and miss you James.

Mom

XO