Jimmy Lee Dreo

Jimmy L. Dreo, known to most as “Corky,” passed away on August 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, generosity, and love. Corky was born on June 18, 1938, to Edmond and Evelyn Dreo at Tulare Hospital in Tulare, CA. He grew up in the Visalia area when it was a much smaller town and often spoke fondly of those days. As a boy, he spent his time outdoors, playing, exploring and tagging along with his older brother, Raymond, whom he looked up to.

Corky graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 1956. He never ran short of stories about his younger years—cruising through downtown Visalia in an old Ford, racing friends on motorcycles, and whatever other adventures happened along the way.

Corky always had a strong work ethic from the time he was young, and it remained with him his entire life. He started working before he was even legally old enough to work and never really stopped.

In 1956, Corky began his career with Pacific Bell as a janitor and later advanced through the ranks with AT&T. Through hard work, determination, and incredible ability, he worked his way up and became skilled as a Frameman, Supplyman, Telephone Installer, Telephone Repairman, Cable Splicer, Field Inspector, and Cable Tester.

His work took him all over the Valley and beyond. He helped install and maintain telephone lines throughout Tulare and Fresno Counties, in Sequoia National Park and through the mountains of Shasta County. His work often took him into places where the terrain was difficult and the job was even harder, but Corky was never afraid of hard work. He was always the first choice of bosses around the valley who would specifically ask for him to travel to complete assignments for their areas.

Corky retired from AT&T in 1987, but retirement did not exactly mean retirement for Corky. He continued contracting with communications companies until 2006. Even well into his 70s and 80s, it was not unusual for the phone to ring at home with someone asking Corky if he could come help them with their home telephone line. His answer was always yes.

That was Corky. He loved people.

Corky never met a stranger. He always had a smile, a story, and a life experience to share. He was genuinely interested in people and was always willing to help. His good deeds were endless, and many of them were done quietly, without expecting anything in return.

Corky was also an amazing visionary. He had the mind of an engineer without ever having gone to school for it. He could look at something that others might simply see as an old building, a broken machine, or a pile of materials and somehow see what it could become.

Throughout his life, he built barns and homes for his family and took on projects that most people would have considered far too difficult.

One of his most memorable creations was the “Tankhouse”. A round tank, originally designed for storing water, that Corky transformed into a unique round two-story home. It was just one example of his ability to look at the ordinary and imagine something extraordinary.

Corky worked hard not only for himself, but for his family.

He cared for his mother and father, Edmond and Evelyn, until their deaths in 2001 and 2005 as well as for his late wife Charlotte Dreo until her death in 2014. He provided for his two children throughout their lives and into adulthood, always wanting to make sure they had a strong foundation. Whether financially supporting them as they started businesses, giving them homes or property in adulthood, or simply showing up when they needed help throughout their lives, Corky was there supporting them.

He often talked about the long, hard drive he made, taking 105 head of cattle all the way to Texas for his son Ricky. For his daughter Pamela, he gave several acres, installed pipe fencing for her horses, and remodeled a house which he gave her for her and her family.

The gifts and support he gave them throughout their lives are numerous.

For Corky, providing for his family was not simply about money or property. It was about giving them opportunities and teaching them what love was by showing them.

Corky found love again later in life and married Vanessa Williams of Irvine, CA making her Mrs. Dreo. Corky and Vanessa spent over 11 amazing and adventurous years together, traveling through the mountains from California to Montana, Arizona to Wyoming and

everywhere in between. They loved exploring the Old West, discovering new places, and meeting new friends along the way.

Together they “lived of the land” at their Tankhouse, gardening, chopping wood, working on projects, fixing things, and dreaming up whatever came next until the very end. There was always another project, another adventure, another place to explore—or another thing Corky was convinced could be built better if they just did it themselves. Up until Corky’s passing you would find him out working hard at his home or shop.

Those years were filled with companionship, laughter, hard work, adventure, and love.

Corky was truly one of a kind.

For those who loved him—whether as a husband, brother, or friend—the void left by his passing is unimaginable. There will be no replacing his stories, his smile, his humor, his advice, or the certainty that if you needed help, Corky would somehow find a way to be there.

But alongside the grief is tremendous gratitude.

Gratitude that we got to know him. Gratitude for the countless lessons he taught us.

Gratitude for the stories and laughter. Gratitude for the generosity he showed so freely. And gratitude for the privilege of having been loved by a man of such greatness.

To the friends and family who showed their love by being an active part of Corky’s life until the very end—through their visits, phone calls, conversations, and simply being there— please know that he appreciated it immensely. Those calls and visits meant the world to

him. Your presence gave him comfort and reminded him how deeply he was loved.

Corky is predeceased by his parents, Edmond and Evelyn Dreo of Elderwood, California; his brother Raymond Dreo of Stevensville, Montana; and late-wife Charlotte Dreo of Visalia, California.

Corky is survived by his loving wife, Vanessa Dreo of Woodlake, CA; his brother Harrison Scott (wife, Marie) of Torrance, CA ; and his children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren; and the many other friends and family members who truly loved him.

Corky will be laid to rest at Eshom Valley Cemetery in Eshom Valley, CA, alongside his family.

In lieu of flowers, Corky would have preferred donations to be made to the animal rescue of your choice.

Corky spent 88 years building things—homes, barns, fences, telephone lines, businesses, and, most importantly, relationships. He left behind more than the things he built. He left behind people who are stronger, better cared for, and richer in memories and love because he was part of their lives.

His hands may no longer be here to fix things, his voice may no longer be here to encourage and guide, and his stories may no longer be told in his own unmistakable way, but the things he taught us, the people he helped, and the love he gave will continue on.

Corky was loved beyond measure, and he will be missed beyond words.

Graveside Services Will Be Held at Eshom Valley Cemetery on October 15,2026 at 10AM