James Samuel Wadkins

Jim was born on December 7, 1930, in Watsonville, CA, to James and Lila Wadkins. In 1947, he and his parents moved to Fresno, where he attended Central Union High School, graduating in 1949. Jim served as the Senior class President, Editor of the school newspaper, was a member of the California Scholarship Federation, and played on the basketball, baseball, and tennis teams.

From the age of 13, Jim worked summers in packing houses, developing a strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his life. After graduating from high school, Jim became a warehouse worker and truck driver for Pacific Feed Company. In February 1952, Jim was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean War. Though he rarely spoke of his service, his military record reflects that he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, and the United Nations Service Medal. Upon returning home from Korea, Jim resumed his work with Pacific Feed Company. In January of 1956, he began a long career with the US Postal Service, beginning as a mail carrier and retiring as Accounting Manager in January of 1986.

Jim felt it was important to remain busy in retirement. As faith and service were central to Jim’s life, he served for more than 30 years at Trinity Presbyterian Church (now Trinity Community Church) as an usher, greeter, and assisting in counting the Sunday offerings. He also gave back to his community by volunteering for many years to help senior citizens prepare their income taxes. A passionate league bowler for over 60 years, Jim continued to enjoy the sport until 2022, when his health prevented him from participating.

On November 28, 1953, just 15 days after returning from Korea, Jim married the love of his life, Norma Schmidt. Their marriage spanned 68 years, 11 months, and 16 days. Jim found it interesting that both he and Norma shared a ‘discharge’ date of November 13th – his discharge from the army in 1953 and Norma’s discharge from this world in 2022. After her passing, Jim frequently expressed how deeply he missed Norma and looked forward to their reunion in heaven.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Tami Jensen of Clovis; grandchildren Ashley Jensen and Jordan Jensen, also of Clovis; sister-in-law Joyce Hallam of Madera, and niece Hazel Skogland of Watsonville. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma; parents, James and Lila Wadkins; sister, Grace Ayers; and brothers, Fred Wadkins and Delbert Wadkins.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Copper River Retirement Group, the Lotus Senior Living Center, and Bristol Hospice for their outstanding and compassionate care provided to Jim during the past 3 ½ years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, 202 N. Teilman Ave., Fresno, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Community Church (12168 N. Willow Ave., Clovis, 93611), Valley Bible Church (2501 Peach Ave., Clovis, 93612), or to the charity of your choice.