James Edward Arbaugh, 1928-2012: UT accounting professor led technology unit

James Edward Arbaugh, a longtime University of Toledo accounting professor and first chairman of the school's business technology department, died Sept. 3 in the Hospice of Northwest Ohio on South Detroit Avenue. He was 83.

Relatives said the Sylvania Township resident had battled renal failure and congestive heart failure.

Mr. Arbaugh had a 35-year career at the University of Toledo, where he taught accounting.

"He knew education was his calling," said his son, Brian Arbaugh.

Jennifer Arbaugh, Mr. Arbaugh's daughter, said her father's nature and personality made him a wonderful instructor.

"He was a very patient man," she said. "He was able to break things down and explain them. Patience was his virtue."

His gentle and quiet demeanor also made him approachable, Brian Arbaugh said.

"He was very comforting, easy to be around and could carry on any type of conversation," his son said.

Born in 1928, the Toledo native was senior-class president at DeVilbiss High School, from which he graduated in 1946. He enrolled at the then-Toledo University business college and was chosen president of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity before taking a hiatus from school to enlist in the Air Force in 1950.

Stationed at Yakota Air Base in Japan, Mr. Arbaugh served as an information specialist during the Korean War before his honorable discharge in 1953. He graduated from UT in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

After teaching for one year at Northwood High School, Mr. Arbaugh was asked to join the UT faculty as an accounting instructor at the community and technical college.

He became very involved in campus life, becoming first chairman of the school's business technology department, a member of the faculty senate, and faculty advisor to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, among other activities.

He retired after 35 years at the school as professor emeritus.

Mr. Arbaugh also enjoyed playing bridge, often won at poker, played golf, and bowled, relatives said. An avid Detroit Tigers fan, he also enjoyed working in his yard.

Above all, Mr. Arbaugh was a modest man who did not brag about his achievements, family members said.

"He was quite accomplished, yet would never let anyone know what he had done," his son said. Mr. Arbaugh was so disinclined to discuss himself, even his family didn't know all he had done.

"I just learned a lot of these things about him myself," said his daughter.

Surviving are his wife, Marilyn, whom he married in 1957; daughter, Jennifer Lee Arbaugh; son, Brian James Arbaugh; sister, Dorothy Schafer, and four granddaughters.

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. today at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave.

The family suggests tributes to the University of Toledo Retirees' Association Scholarship Fund or a charity of the donor's choice.

Contact Kate Giammarise at: kgiammarise@theblade.com or 419-724-6091.