Jim Phillip Sanchez

CA, passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2018. Jim was born to Theodosia (TO) Contreras and John Sanchez and was one of twelve siblings. Jim grew up in Bakersfield, where he attended school. Unable to complete his education, Jim assumed the role of a father figure and helped his mother support and raise his younger siblings. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in late 1944 and had the honor of serving in WWII. He went on to marry the love of his life and remained happily married for 73 years. After serving his country, Jim had several successful businesses and served the community of Bakersfield in many ways. He opened his first business, S & S Body Works with some of his brothers and later went on to open The Matador Bar on Baker Street. Jim then went on to work for the county for over 20 years. Jim built his own home in 1968, where he raised his family along with several foster children. He organized and was the co-founder of the first

Menudo Cook-Off in Kern County. Jim helped design and rebuild the San Clemente Mission Church and was awarded the Benemerenti Medal in 1999 for his devotion to his parish and Catholic faith. In 2012, he was on the very first Kern County Honor Flight where he visited the WWII Monument.

Jim's most cherished times were spent with family around the kitchen table. He recently celebrated his 92nd birthday surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a deep love for his family and was a true man of strength, dignity, integrity, and faith. He will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife Charmaine Sanchez, daughter Hope Serrano and son-in-law Cisco Serrano, daughter Sally Ledesma, daughter Maddy Villanueva and son-in-law Cep Villanueva, son Rodney Gardea, foster son Rudy Magana and his wife Janie Magana, grandchildren David Hernandez, Sonja Lazzara, James Ledesma, David Godinez, Kathy Godinez, Marky Gardea, Freddy Gonzalez, Julio Gonzalez, Niko Gonzalez and Julia Gonzalez, eleven great-grandchildren, and countless

foster children. He is preceded in death by his daughter Charmaine Gonzalez.

Visitation will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, (9101 Kern Canyon Rd, Bakersfield, Ca 93306), on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, from 5:00pm-9:00pm, with Recitation of the Holy Rosary from 6:30-7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, (900 H. Street, Bakersfield, Ca 93304), on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at 10:00am with Committal Service and Military Honors from 11:15-12:00pm at Historic Union Cemetery, (730 Potomac Avenue, Bakersfield, Ca. 93307). Pallbearers include Rodney Gardea, David Hernandez, James Ledesma, Marky Gardea, David Godinez, Freddy Gonzalez, Julio Gonzalez, and Niko Gonzalez. Honorary pallbearer will be Rudy Magana. The family expresses our sincere gratitude to Hoffman Hospice for the care they provided at this difficult time