Jimmy L. Standley

Jimmy Lee Standley was born on June 1, 1941, in Roseburg, Oregon, to Miles O. Standley of Oregon and Pauline Scharnhorst of Oregon. He was the brother to Barbara Edith Standley-White, John Standley, David Standley, Paula Ann Cooper, Lorraine Leensta, and Sandy Freeman. Leaves behind his Son Shane John Standley (born August 20, 1965) & Daughter in Law Jane A Standley (06/26/1964) and his grandsons Ty Standley, Austin Standley, and Cody Westphal. Son - Shawn Heath Standley — lovingly called "Heafie" (born October 30, 1969, passed April 19, 1973), and adopted his daughter-Shawnaree Sharmon Standley-Westphal (born October 12, 1969, passed December 24, 2001). His nephew Houston Ray White: his nieces Deborah Ann Wojack and Bobbie Lee White (preceded him in death). He is also remembered by his cousins Jan Baker and Ann Weigman.

Jimmy moved to Willcox in 1951 and graduated from Willcox High School in 1959. He worked as a wrangler and even played a small part in the 1960 Western film Cimarron, starring Glenn Ford. On January 14, 1960, Jimmy enlisted in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Airman 3rd Class before his honorable discharge on October 10, 1963.

Returning to Willcox, Jimmy married Sharon Lorraine Fraker on February 29, 1964. Together they became parents to Shane John Standley (born August 20, 1965), Shawn Heath Standley — lovingly called "Heafie"— (born October 30, 1969, passed April 19, 1973), and later adopted Shawnaree Sharmon Standley-Westphal (born October 12, 1969, passed December 24, 2001).

Jimmy and Sharon eventually settled in Tucson. He worked at the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch as a wrangler and later in a bowling alley. One day, driving past a construction site on his day off, Jimmy approached the foreman, John Krohn, and asked if there was a job available. Mr. Krohn pointed at a man holding a shovel and said, “It’s yours tomorrow.” Jimmy showed up at the office to fill out paperwork and met Mr. Beaham — from that day forward, both Mr. & Mrs. Gaeel Beaham called him “The Kid.”

At the time Jimmy didn’t know that he was working for the plumbing division of the company. Then two years, thirteen days later, with the support of his parents Ted and Paulla Kortsen (who co-signed a loan), he and Sharon purchased what would become Abacus Plumbing Corp in 1966 to present day. When he started, he charged only $8.00 per hour 24/7 for his service rate. Then over time, Jimmy earned both his plumbing contractor’s license and his real estate license.

A true “professor of horse trading,” Jimmy invested in property, vehicles, and anything else he believed would turn a profit. In his free time, he was an avid hunter and traveled the world in pursuit of his passion.

Beyond his rough-and-tough exterior, Jimmy was deeply respected. If he had something to say, you were going to hear it — like it or not! But for those who truly knew him, they knew he had a big heart. He would do almost anything to help someone — whether it was a competitor, a family member, a friend, or a cause he believed in.

Jimmy had many close friends who were dear to him from Rex Allen, Micheal Kudkudijaroff, Ron Carlson, Doug Baker, Ollie Barney, Chuck Westenburg, Racy Clark & Jeff Lopez just to name a few. Please forgive me if I have not mentioned your name. He was loved by many.

He was actively involved in the Ron Riggs Memorial Willcox High School Scholarships, the Rex Allen Museum, Safari Club International, and the Southern Arizona Safari Chapter along with a number of trade related organizations.

A Final Message from Jimmy:

“I’m the reason you’re gathered here today. My wish is that you celebrate my life, not mourn it. Please take this time to enjoy each other’s company and the memories. Be safe — and one day, we’ll meet again. Thank you.”