Our Team

John L. Arnold

President - 4th Generation

John L. Arnold is the President of Arnold Funeral Homes. Married to his wife Debbie, they are the parents of two children, John and Rachel. John graduated in 1980 from North Canton Hoover High School, attended Bowling Green State University, Kent State University and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1984. Throughout his life, John has always been an active member of the community. His professional memberships include Selected Independent Funeral Homes, International Order of the Golden Rule, National Funeral Directors Association, Ohio Funeral Directors Association, past president of District 16 Ohio Funeral Directors Association, Canton Chamber of Commerce, Lake Township Chamber of Commerce, Hartville Lion's Club, President of the Hartville Volunteer Fire Department Board, Mount Peace Cemetery Board, McKinley Lodge #431 F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Canton, Advisory Board for Aultman Hospital Health Care in your Home and Hospice. John also enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family and golf.

A lot has changed in the funeral profession since 1889 when J.L. Arnold came to Canton and purchased a furniture company and funeral home.

"A lot has changed since 1889," stated John Arnold. "Our store produced quality furniture and expertly crafted wooden caskets and had embalming facilities which was typical of that period. As time progressed the furniture store was sold and our main focus became caring for the people of the Canton area by providing them the highest quality of funeral service."

Over one hundred years have passed and four generations of the Arnold family have made the commitment necessary to care for Canton and the surrounding communities.

In 1901 the Arnold Funeral Home was singularly honored - being selected to direct the funeral arrangements of Canton's beloved President William McKinley.

Now in the fourth generation and third century of service they are still guided by one simple principle, "We are here in an endeavor to faithfully SERVE the people of our community without regard for rank, resources or creed."

Telephone: 1-330-456-7291

John S. Arnold

Vice President- 5th Generation

John S. Arnold is the Vice-President of Arnold Funeral Homes. Married to his wife Christine, an OBGYN in the Akron area. John graduated in 2006 from North Canton Hoover High School, graduated from Miami University in 2010 with a bachelors of science in Finance. For the past 8 years John has spent time in the banking industry as well as the commercial real estate industry. On January 1, 2018 he decided to join the family business as the 5th generation of his family to serve this community. He is a member of the Canton Chamber of Commerce, a former board member of the Lake Township Chamber of Commerce, Selected Independent Funeral Homes, National Funeral Directors Association, and the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. John is proud to serve this community and states, "It is an honor and a privilege to serve our families and I enjoy helping families at their time of need."  

Telephone: 1-330-456-7291

Daphne A. Boston

Funeral Director

Daphne A. Boston is a funeral director and embalmer with the Arnold Funeral Home since 1991. She is a graduate of Kent State University and of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Daphne has a son, Tannor Flynn who was born in November 2002. She is a member of the Hartville Church of the Brethren, Hartville Garden Club, and Hartville Lions. Since the early 1980's, she has raised Cheviot Sheep on a small farmette in Hartville. She loves to vegetable garden and home cans and freezes her produce. As her son has grown, she has enjoyed participating in the many activities associated with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, soccer and vacation Bible School. When asked why she planned for a job in funeral service, Daphne replied, "I wanted to choose a career in a field where at the end of the day, I would feel complete. I do my best to accomplish a very personal and unique funeral service for each and every family we provide services for."

Telephone: 1-330-456-7291

Dena B. James

Funeral Director

Dena B. James is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Born in Canton, Dena graduated from Lake High School in 1985 and attended Point Park University where she received her bachelor's degree. She graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Dena is the Mother of two sons Corey and Seth. She enjoys helping people, and her favorite hobby is participating in Civil War reenacting and spending time with her youngest son, Seth, who is very active in dance competition.  Feel free to contact Dena with any questions or concerns regarding you or your loved one's funeral needs.

Telephone: 1-330-455-0349

Email: 

Claude W. Shriver, II

Claude W. "Skip" Shriver, II is a native of Canton. He attended Summit Grade School, Lehman High School, Kent State University and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. In addition to being a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in Ohio, he is also licensed in the state of Florida and Pennsylvania. 

He began his career in funeral service at the Spiker-Foster-Funeral Home in 1970, while attending high school. 

Skip is a member of Ohio Funeral Director's Assoc., member and past president of District 16 Ohio Funeral Directors Assoc., National Funeral Director's Assoc., Ohio Embalmer's Assoc., Wm McKinley Lodge #431 F&AM, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Canton, Nazir Grotto, Tadmor Temple, Canton Elk's Lodge # 68, and Christ Presbyterian Church.

He also served as Trustee in Plain Township, Stark County, Ohio for 5 years and served as the Fiscal Officer of the Township for 12 years.

Telephone: 1-330-455-0349

Linda R. Shriver

Linda R. Shriver was born in Cleveland, OH and has resided in Canton since she was 5 years old. Linda attended Jackson Memorial High School, Robert Morris College, Akron University & Walsh University. 

In addition to being a licensed funeral director, she also has her master's degree in elementary education. She is a retired teacher from the Plain Local Schools. She is available to assist you with your funeral planning needs.