James William Eckman

Born in Wichita, KS on May 24, 1947. Jim was the only son of John T. and Ruth A. Eckman. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Stockton, CA, Jim attended Stanislaus State University in Turlock, CA where he met his wife, Cece. He served in the Army as a radioman to his First Lieutenant while stationed in Germany. When he returned home to the states he filled many retail positions, but it was his work with Comcast Cable company where he shone brightest.

Jim was always up for an adventure. If asked where he was going, his response was usually, “Crazy, wanna come?” His shortcuts were anything but short. They often led to memorable views and plenty of pictures along the way, never mind the added time. A geologist at heart, Jim loved the Earth and its wonders. He never missed a chance to visit a garden, tending his own with love and care while also sharing tucked-away places with his friends and loved ones. Jim devoted over 30 years to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced. He volunteered with local high schools as a Key Club advisor, organized egg hunts at Applegate Park, and served as Director of Kiddieland. Take a ride on the train, he loved that train. Quiet in a crowd, he was an artist in one-on-one conversations. He easily convinced others to volunteer for a good cause—many students joked they had been “Jimed,” though always with deep affection.

Survived by his wife, Cecelia A. Eckman; 6 children, Rebecca I. Calvasina (Jamie), Daniel J. Eckman (Laura), Lisa M. Shand, Andrew W. Eckman, Alexander M. Ioannides, and Vanessa I. Ioannides; 8 grandchildren, Jessica S. Partida, Tyler J. Calvasina, Ethan J. Calvasina, Claire M. Eckman, Audrey A. Eckman, Wyatt H. Shand, Oliver L. Shand, and Penelope L. Shand; and a sister Judith J. Grimmett.

Preceded in death by his loving parents John T. and Ruth A. Eckman, his in-laws Sylvester F. and Esther L. Holtermann, sister-in-law Susan L. Ioannides, brother-in-law James C. Grimmett Sr., and nephew James C. Grimmett Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the Jim Eckman family respectfully requests that donations be made in support of the Jim Eckman Key Club Scholarship Fund, established through the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced Foundation.

Please make tax-deductible checks payable to:

Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced Foundation

P.O. Box 1450

Merced, CA 95340

For: Jim Eckman Key Club Scholarship Fund

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Eckman family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Sierra Calvert, Funeral Arranger.