James Choate

03/27/1946 - 11/28/2013

Former Fallbrook elementary school superintendent James Michael Choate, better known as "Mike," passed away on November 28, 2014. Mike was a great educator and mentor. Many colleagues are indebted for his leadership and modeling the essence of a great teacher and principal. His interest in the careers of his coworkers had far reaching effects.

Mike enjoyed supporting his Fallbrook community and youth, serving on the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors and Foundation Board. He was a Boy Scout Eagle Scout, as was his youngest son, and helped lead Fallbrook's Troop 737.

Mike was a member of Fallbrook Kiwanis, where he served as president, treasurer and Key Club advisor. His love for the Kiwanis family began as a member of Hemet High School Key Club. In college he became a member of Circle K, where he met his wife Laura and served as District Treasurer for Cal-Nev-Ha.

Mike was born in Hemet, California on March 27, 1946 to James and Myrtle Choate. He remained in Hemet until he left for Cal State Long Beach, where he received his B.A. in History and his M.A. in Education.

He began teaching in Paramount, CA, then spent the rest of his career in Fallbrook. He was a teacher, principal, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District until his retirement in 2006.

After retiring, Mike was able to pursue his interests. He spent time searching his ancestral roots, attended more baseball games, and collected Native American kachinas, pots and baskets.

Mike had battled liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer, for eight years. He was recently diagnosed with Acute Tubular Necrosis, a severe form of acute kidney failure caused by low blood pressure due to his cancer. He was sent home under the care of hospice to spend his last days with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Laura, daughter Rachelle Choate, sons Robert and Ryan Choate, sister Catherine Lines and brother Charles Patrick Choate.

Donations in Mike's memory may be made to Fallbrook Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 54, Fallbrook, CA 92088.