Visitation will be held at Stephens and Bean Chapel on Thursday, May 10, 2018, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018 at Belmont Memorial Park with a Memorial Service at Clovis Christian Church, at 11:00 a.m.
Jimmie, as he was known, was born on July 13, 1924, in Dinuba, California. As a child his family moved to Bakersfield where he attended school. He played football for East Bakersfield High. Eventually the family settled in Fresno. He attended Fresno Tech until World War II started. Jimmie enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in many Pacific Island campaigns and in the occupation of Japan. He met the love of his life, Phyllis M. Anthony, also from Fresno, while home on leave. They were married on December 7, 1946, a day he said he would never forget! Jim was married to Phyllis for 72 years and is survived by his wife and their children: David, Ricky, and Suzanne.
In 1950 the Korean War broke out and he was called back into service. He was assigned to the First Marine Division, participated in the landing at Inchon, and fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. As the NCO of his platoon, he told his men “Remember in boot camp you were told when the enemy outnumbers a marine 10 to 1 then the odds are even. Well, today the odds are even.” In a brutal 17-day battle in freezing weather, they fought their way through to the harbor at Hungham. After the war he and Phyllis settled in Fresno because as he said “I will never be cold again!” There they raised their three children. After the war he attended Fresno City College. He worked as a sales manager for Westinghouse and later for General Electric. He retired from GE in 1985. After retirement he volunteered with the Marine Corps League, and served as a Fresno County Deputy Sheriff Reserve Officer.
His military awards and honors include the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two stars, World War II Victory Medal, Naval Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the United Nations Service Medal. Additionally, He was a member in good standing of the exclusive fraternity of honor “The Chosin Few.”
Jim was very much a family man, is survived by his 10 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. He was a Boy Scout leader, AWANA leader, and women’ softball coach. A man of great faith, he was noted for his kindness, always encouraging to others, and interested in what was going on in their lives. He faithfully served the Lord as a Deacon at North Fresno Christian Church and Clovis Christian Church. As a church greeter he would always ask any newcomer “do you play softball?” He proved the character of dedication, faithfulness, and compassion to God, to the family, the church, others, and country in that order.
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