James "Jim" Scheid Arty's Obituary
James “Jim” Arty, born June 18, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed on February 17, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Arty and Mary Ann Scheid Arty; his grandparents, Pearl and Henry Scheid; and Madeline and John Artymowicz; and a nephew, John Hamilton.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Ruth Ann Arty; his two daughters, Shannan Eisenklam (Michael) and Gwendolyn Frederick (Brian); and his cherished grandchildren, Lily Eisenklam, Adeline Frederick, Grant Eisenklam, and Stella Frederick. He is also survived by his sister, Janis Hamilton (Frank); his brother, John Arty (Nancy); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends whom he considered family.
A graduate of Springfield High School, Class of 1969, Jim was an athlete who played football and wrestled. During his high school years, he began working in the restaurant industry, sparking what would become a lifelong passion. He went on to attend Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration.
Jim built a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years in hotel and restaurant management. Hospitality was not simply his profession—it was his calling. He took great pride in creating welcoming environments, mentoring others in the industry, and ensuring that every detail reflected excellence. His dedication, leadership, and work ethic left a lasting impression on colleagues and friends alike.
Jim had a deep passion for food and wine and was always eager to expand his knowledge, including studying in Tuscany. He especially loved visiting renowned vineyards across the country and abroad, savoring not only the wines themselves but the beauty of the landscapes, the craftsmanship behind each vintage, and the experience of sharing those moments with family and friends. Travel brought him great joy, whether cruising, relaxing at the beach, or making treasured annual family trips to Rehoboth Beach.
He also found pure happiness in the water and could always be found in the pool—walking, floating, or simply soaking up the sun. The pool was one of his favorite places to relax, unwind, and gather with family, and it became a backdrop to many cherished memories.
Jim loved cooking for family and friends and was a natural entertainer. A devoted sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the Ravens, Orioles and Shorebirds. He had a sharp, dry sense of humor and was known for his sarcasm, quick wit, and ability to make those around him laugh.
He especially loved competing with his wife in nightly games of Jeopardy and faithfully cooked dinner for her every evening. An avid reader, he enjoyed books and movies throughout his life.
Jim will be remembered for his warmth, his generosity, his love of good food and good wine, and, most of all, his unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the traditions he created, the memories he helped shape, and the love he shared so freely with those around him.
Viewings will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, at Watson Funeral Home & Crematorium, 211 S. Washington Street, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, where friends may call beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow at Epworth Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Those who cannot attend services in person are invited to join via live stream at: https://www.youtube.com/@epworthfaith/streams
Immediately following the cemetery, ALL friends and family are invited to the Pelican Point Clubhouse for an afternoon of food, drink and the celebration of Jim’s friendships and family. 22656 Pelican Point Blvd West Millsboro, Delaware 19966
Flowers are welcome, as Jim loved them. Memorial contributions may also be made in his memory to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org or to Roberta’s House in Baltimore at https://www.robertashouse.org.
Please visit Jim’s Life Memorial at https://www.watsonfh.com
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