James Walter Minnis

Jim Minnis, 86, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by the love and comfort of his family in Santa Ana on April 30, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 16, 1939, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Claude and Elizabeth Minnis.

Jim was a devoted husband and father, admired for his humor, quick wit, and unwavering integrity. Friends and family knew him as hardworking, dependable, calm, and patient. Jim’s love for his family and unwavering strength was at the heart of the life he lived.

During his elementary school years, Jim traveled throughout California with his family while his stepfather helped build the California highway system. He also spent time in Texas with his father, where he learned to drive a tractor and use a bolt action twenty-two rifle. The family eventually settled in the Imperial Valley. In 1957, after attending eleven different high schools, he enrolled at Imperial High School, where he met his future wife. After marrying in 1962, Jim and Bonnie Blue (Gilroy) Minnis spent the next 64 years building a life together grounded in love, family, hard work, and unwavering commitment to one another.

Jim worked in banking for approximately twelve years. He then decided to use his Real Estate Broker’s license (which he acquired in his 20s) and opened his own business in commercial property management. Jim and Bonnie Blue worked side by side building the business until his retirement. Today, his eldest son, Blair Minnis, continues the family tradition of commercial property management.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Blue Minnis; his sons, Blair (Christina) Minnis, and Kyle Minnis; two brothers, Dick (Donell) Minnis, and Bill (April) Silvester; two granddaughters, Charissa (Walker) Panek, and Kaitlyn Minnis; a step-granddaughter, Alina (Carlos) Navarro and their son Nico. He was preceded in death by his sister El Rita (Bob) Noe.

His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply.

Private Interment at Fairhaven Mausoleum in Santa Ana