James Alfred "Jim" Babcock

1924 - 2012

Jim Babcock passed away on September 13, 2012. He was born May 24, 1924, in Stringtown, Texas, to Mae and George Babcock. A true Texan at heart, Jim grew up on a family farm during the Great Depression. Jim had adventure in his blood at an early age. Straight out of high school, he joined the Army Corps of Engineers and was assigned to Costa Rica to build bridges on the Inter-American Highway. Upon returning home, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1941.
Jim began a family with his beautiful wife, Patricia, in Tacoma, Washington. Then he moved his family to La Jolla in 1964. He became a member of the La Jolla Country Club in 1966. He loved golf and played as often as he could. He was past president of the "Snow Goosers", a men's group, who played the finest courses in the world.
Jim had a great gift of selling. Over the years, he mastered the 'Art of the Deal'. He could sell anything to anybody. Through the various sales jobs, Jim became focused on the insurance business. When his business became affected by the Vietnam War, Jim became a stockbroker with Roberts, Scott & Co. in La Jolla in the early 70's. As the war came to an end, he re-entered the insurance business and created a very successful brokerage agency with offices from coast to coast including Hawaii and Guam. He also founded an insurance company.
Jim was a very hard working, fair and generous man. With his quick smile and vivid blue eyes, you would instantly feel welcomed by his warmth, entertained with his stories and humored by his sharp wit. A favorite was in 1947, Sun Valley, Idaho, when Jim and his boyhood best friend, Malcom, had a chance meeting with Ernest Hemingway. They all drank wine, until they could drink no more. Living a full life, Jim traveled the world and was a licensed pilot who enjoyed flying and owned airplanes. His hobby was the stock market, where he traded stocks daily. He was a proud member of the Torrey Pines Christian Church.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his children, Pam Babcock and Jimmy Babcock; daughter-in-law, Michele; grandchildren, Britton and Brando Babcock; and his brother, Foy Babcock. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia, and brother, George Mc Roy.
Please join us for his Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 29, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Torrey Pines Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Torrey Pines Christian Church.