Spruce Ridge Golf Club in Dowagiac Saturday hosted the third annual JAM, the Jason Arnold Memorial Golf Outing, for 72 participants in 18 teams of four.

Arnold, who died Jan. 28, 2010, at 48 from injuries sustained in a fall, graduated from Niles High School in 1979.

He attended Albion College, added a master’s degree from Western Michigan University and taught special education for 25 years, including 21 years at Lighthouse Education Center in St. Joseph.

Jason and his wife, the former Karen Knoll, whom he married in 1988, had two children, Dylan and Alexis. Dylan attends Grand Valley State University. Alexis plays basketball and soccer for NHS.

JAM proceeds are going to benefit Niles and Buchanan high school athletics.

Jason coached basketball leagues in Buchanan.

A college scholarship is being established in her son’s name they hope to present for the first time next year, according to Freida Arnold.

The Arnold family would like to thank neighbors Robert and Jeanne Blank and co-worker Jim and Betty Rose for organizing the event, sponsors, volunteers, participants and door prize donors.