James Brian Arriola

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of James Brian Arriola, one of the greatest and most generous people to have walked the face of the earth. James was born on February 14th, 1971, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and left us prematurely on January 2nd, 2026, while hiking at Calico Basin in Red Rock Canyon.

In his short but meaningful 54 years of life, he touched and inspired countless lives with his passion and love of Scouting, his generosity, and his beautiful soul. James began his Scouting journey as a Cub Scout, which flourished into a lifetime of dedication, honor, and amazing achievements, including Eagle Scout. His contributions to the Scouting community have been significant and inspiring. His service to Scouting has been recognized with the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, and the OA Distinguished Service Award. James loved nature and exploring the outdoors, and he was so proud of the work that he accomplished at the Great Basin Institute. Besides spending quality time with family and friends, James loved hiking, camping, fishing, antiquing, patch and camping gear collecting, and of course Scouting.

In addition to his parents Richard Arriola and Shirley Faye Arriola, he was preceded in death by his older brother Richard (Tony) Arriola, nephew Richard (Richy) Mummey and niece Trina Damke.

He is survived by his three loving children: Jason (JT) Arriola, Aiden Arriola, and Taylor Arriola of Las Vegas, Nevada; four sisters: Charlotte Atkinson of Montrose, Colorado, Christy Cockerham of Olathe, Colorado, Dana Martinez of Artesia, New Mexico and Tonia Arriola of The Woodlands, Texas; 7 nieces and 6 nephews and 37 great to great-great nieces and nephews along with extended family. He also leaves behind many close friends along with his entire scout family and community.

A celebration of life honoring James’s exceptional and well-accomplished Scout career will be held on January 18th from 2-7pm at the Las Vegas Area Council Scout Service Center. We invite all who knew and loved James to join us in honoring his memory and celebrating his greatest achievements with family and loved ones. Please RSVP to nebagamon312@gmail.com so we can properly accommodate the Scouting community. For those who cannot attend in person, there will be a live streaming event available. A separate private family and close friends service and viewing will be held at 9:30 am on January 19th am at Bunkers Eden Vale followed by his burial at 12:00 pm at Bunkers Memory Garden. He will be laid to rest within the earth surrounded by trees near his parents and eldest brother at the cusp of the Spring and Sheep Mountain Ranges.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends ask to honor and celebrate his legacy by donating to the James Arriola High Adventure Scholarship Fund that will provide financial assistance to help youth members experience Philmont and several other adventures as James did. 

James Arriola High Adventure Endowment Fund

Losing James so prematurely has been a devastating blow to his family, friends, colleagues, mentees, and Scouting community. He will be deeply missed by his children, sisters, nieces, nephews, and all his friends.