Jimmy Ray Applegate

Jimmy attended school throughout California before attending Coalinga High School, graduating in 1968. In 1969, he signed up to serve his country in Vietnam in the Army. He trained at Fort Ord in Monterey, California, eventually deploying to Vietnam as a Green Beret. Jimmy spent time in the villages of the native Vietnamese tribes, Montagnards, training troops and helping the local Vietnamese defend their land. He fought valiantly in the battle of Dak To.

He was honorably discharged in 1972. He had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.

He returned to Coalinga and, in 1979, he married Patricia Chaffin. The two raised Patricia’s daughter Traci and Jim worked hard to support the family. In 1990, the couple welcomed their daughter Jamie.

Jim worked hard throughout his life, including in law enforcement. He eventually retired after serving as Director of Claremont Custody Center in Coalinga. He had also served as Code Enforcement Officer for the city.

Jimmy loved deeply and will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 43 years; daughters Traci and Jamie; son-in-law Lucas; grandson Jacen; nephew Tim Applegate and his wife Melanie; great-nephews and nieces Tim Jr., Chrissy, Kyle, Lily, and Hannah; sister Connie and countless friends who will miss him and his boisterous, loving personality.