James E. Hubbard

James E. Hubbard
September 8, 1937 ~ January 6, 2010

CARMEL - Jim passed away January 6, 2009 after a short but valiant battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 72. His fight mirrored the way he led his entire life: with determined bravery, positive spirit and elegant dignity.
His adoptive and now deceased parents, Una and Everett Hubbard, raised Jim and his now deceased sister, Susie Merz, in the Bay Area where he attended Cappuccino High School. He graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in engineering.
After school Jim began his 50-plus year career as a renowned food-processing engineer, working with the world's largest food companies designing plants and systems that provide many of the foods we enjoy today from baby food to ice cream - and even San Francisco's prized Anchor Steam Beer. Jim was also a founding partner of Worldwide Golf Enterprises, Inc. As a young man Jim joyfully traveled the world with nothing more than a backpack and a tennis racquet, ready for a match wherever the chance arose. It was a time that Jim viewed in his last days as one of the most precious of his life.
More precious than any though was the day he married the absolute love of his life, Jackie, a too short 35 years ago. The pair and their two children, Kathleen (Williams) and Michael, settled in their beloved Carmel. Jim and Jackie shared a love affair that only strengthened with each passing year. Theirs is the stuff from which the greatest love stories are inspired.
At the age of 55, against all odds, Jim found his birth mother, Tilly Heliva. With this miracle came not only the discovery of the wonderful woman who gave him life, but also three beautiful sisters, Carol, Jenny and Betty, and a huge new family who welcomed him with open arms. Jim enjoyed 15 cherished years with Tilly until her death.
Jim lived life in a manner that is rarely seen today. A true gentleman, we rarely heard a curse from his mouth. He was a man of exceptional integrity both in his personal life and in business. He was fiercely passionate about tennis and we know he will be missed on Court One at the Carmel Valley Ranch. And, of course, he never abandoned his life-long support of his beloved 49ers. We know next year will be the year if Jim has anything to say about it from heaven!
As a father Jim showed the love, guidance and wisdom that will remain everlasting reminders to Kathleen and Mike and their much- loved spouses, Steve and Alison, to be decent, moral and honorable individuals. Jim adored his granddaughters, Katelyn and Ashley, who will always hold their wonderful Grandpa Hubbard in their hearts.
If it is true that the measure of a man can be found in the company he keeps, Jim was truly a giant. He leaves behind precious longtime friends with whom he shared love, laughter and many special times. He also leaves behind a wonderful extended family of brothers- in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom he loved so much. And last, we would be remiss in not mentioning Jim's constant sidekick and canine best friend,
Sophie.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Jim's life on January 13, 2010 at 11:00AM on his adored Carmel beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network ~ www.pancan.org.