James Alvie Highfill

Jim came to California to live with his grandparents when he was sixteen years old. His first job in California was picking lemons on the Limoneira Ranch in Ventura. He progressed in that industry and was working at a Sunkist lemon packing house in Oxnard when he met and married the love of his life, Sandra on April 16, 1964.

Shortly after their marriage, Jim decided to make a career change. He always wanted to be a truck driver. He got his Class A license and started working for a mobile home mover. He eventually bought his own truck, leased it to Transit Homes of South Carolina then moved his family to Hanford in 1974 to partner with another mobile home mover. After that industry took a down turn he drove feed trucks for Maury Bettencourt, fuel trucks for Beacon and refrigerated trucks for Souzas out of Gustine. Health reasons forced him to retire in 1999. Jim always provided for his family.

Though retired, Jim was not inactive. He herded cattle with a neighbor and joined a number of community organizations most significantly Citizens on Patrol with the Kings County Sheriff’s Office. Jim worked tirelessly in obtaining donations to provide meals and toys for needy families during the holidays. For a number of years Jim worked with the Christian organization Royal Family Kids Camp through Glad Tidings Church to provide a week long camping experience for children in the foster system. He enjoyed ranching, cowboy cooking, camping and fishing. Jim loved the Lord and he loved people.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Hershel and Mildred Highfill and his younger brother, Joe Wayne Highfill. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Sandra Highfill, two sons, Russell (Sydney) Highfill, Jason (Jeanett) Highfill, grandchildren Justus (Whitley), Jake (Haley), Jace (Hevyn), Rebecca (Eli) and Samantha (Abram) and great-grandson, Wyatt.

Celebration of life will be at People’s Funeral, 501 N. Douty, Hanford at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday July 30, 2024 followed by a luncheon at the Hanford Elks Lodge located at 506 N. Douty

We want to particularly thank the health care workers at Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia for their compassionate care of Jim and our family during his last days.