James Henry "Grandpa" Snelling

1925 - 2010

James Henry (Grandpa) Snelling

December 20, 1925 - December 25, 2010

Jim Snelling was born in Dardanelle, Arkansas December 20, 1925 to Fred and Callie Snelling. He went to be with the Lord Christmas night after battling pneumonia for five continuous days.

He is survived by his daughter, Glenda Lawhun (spouse Randy) of Sparks, NV, son, Larry Snelling (spouse Peggy) of Burney, CA, grandsons, Jim Snelling (spouse Lacy and great grandson Robby) of Reno, NV, grandson Robby (spouse Jessica and great grandchildren, Adrianna and Bryson) of Chico, CA., granddaughter, Jennifer McIntosh (spouse Rob and great grandson Elric) of Reno, NV, mother of his children and life long friend and ex-wife Maxine Sanders, of San Lorenzo, CA, Brother-In-Law, Chuck Turner, (spouse Linda) of Burney, CA
Jim is also survived by sisters Artie Heffley, of Fall River Mills, Kathleen Shuffield, of Little Rock, Arkansas, Imogene Brucks, of Little Rock, Arkansas, Lorene Haynes, of Chicago, Illinois, and brother Travis Gerene Snelling, of Taneyville, Missouri. He also leaves behind many dear friends and nieces and nephews.

Jim joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and fought in Europe during WWII as a light machine gun (B.A.R.) infantryman. He moved to Burney, California to follow the love of his life Maxine Turner in 1946 and they were married in October of 1948. Jim worked in the timber industry as a timber faller and sawmill worker in the early years in Burney and many years later moved to Redding, California where he was employed at Kimberly Clark Paper and Simpson Paper for the last twenty years as a supervisor until he retired. He spent the last twenty-five years of his life retired in Burney where he lived with Larry, Peggy, Jimmy and Robby. The greatest joy for him was to watch his grandsons play sports and later become coaches. He followed them right up until the very end by going to Butte College and McQueen football games to watch them both coach. He also enjoyed the outdoors and spent many days hunting and fishing with his buddies Chuck Turner, Neland Doughty and Mory Visser. There were two very special men in Jim's life (Bill Allard and Rich Burger) that were like sons to him. He also respected and loved "His Doctor", Dr. Tom Watson (the only doctor he would listen to) and his good friend Roger Borkey (who often took Jim to lunch and dinner).

His war stories and life's experiences stories were enjoyed by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. There will never be another like him.

His services will be held Thursday, December 30th at the Inter Mountain Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m.
A reception will follow military graveside services.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com