JAMES OLIN SNOW

JAMES SNOW Obituary

SNOW, JAMES OLIN Nov. 23, 1910 to August 30, 2010 Growing up on a farm in Missouri, not even the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 would take Snow's life. He survived the deadly flu, destined to live just three months short of his 100th birthday. During his lifetime he saw the first car, the first airplane, paved roads, talking movies. Snow lived through Prohibition (his uncles being bootleggers), the Great Depression and World War II, finally settling in San Diego. He was married to his wife, Ferne, for 64 years. Despite an accident in the Navy in 1944, losing three fingers and most of the little finger on his right hand, Snow led a full and active life in the community. He was a self-employed barber for 60+ years, avid knife collector, custom knife maker and sharpener. Learned to water ski at age 67. Made every dove hunt opening day for 57 years even after suffering an aneurysm at 87. Holds a world record in registered trap shooting for hitting 100 straight targets at age 93Â½. Snow had a valid driver's license but never carried a handicap placard despite breaking his hip at age 98. Family and hard work were his focus. Jim "Olin" Snow was a man of high morals and good character. In Loving Memory James Olin Snow is survived by his 92-year-old sister, two sons, a daughter, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and countless friends. Every man dies. Not every man really lives. Gone but not forgotten.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Oct. 15, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES SNOW

5 Entries

Michael Chism

October 13, 2020

Another anecdote from my "mentorship" with Mr. Snow: When I was getting ready to head off to my military commitment I must have mentioned to him that it would be good time for a young man to build character yada, yada. In his pithy way he said "Well if you go in a blankety blank, you'll probably come out a blankety blank." I would like to think that was a word of encouragement as well as a bit of sage advice. As it turned out, I became a believer in Jesus Christ with a desire to continue to develop the character and faith that the Lord pointed to. But Mr. Snow was an example of simple day to day faith and character to this young man that I remember to this day. Oh for more men like him.

Angela (Goguen) Hannan

October 19, 2010

Mr. Snow….. was my next door neighbor. I was 8 years old when I first met him. That was in 1960. Actually, I met his daughter, Julie, first who became my best friend, almost right away. We have remained lifetime friends. I have so many memories of Mr. Snow and of Mrs. Snow, too. And, of course, the “boys”; Charles & James. All of my memories of the Snow’s center around my dear friend Julie and our experiences together. We were a couple of little ‘trouble-makers’ (in the more innocent sense of that word ….mostly!). Oh boy, did we ever give Julie’s Dad grief with some of our mischief! Mr. Snow could have a way of seeming so very stern, and with just one look, he could let you know just what’s what! As a kid, I was a little afraid of him. He seemed a lot like Clint Eastwood, to me. But then, after being stern with us, in the next moment, he would give you that sweet half-smile and you might just notice that twinkle in his eye. I did.

Recently, over fifty years later, I was so happy to be able to see Mr. Snow once again, at his home. That day, Julie and I had had lunch at the Fish Market in San Diego. Julie and I were stopping by her Dad’s so she could bring him a little lunch from the restaurant; a nice bowl of clam chowder and that great bread they serve. I could so clearly see the love in Mr. Snow’s eyes for his daughter. It touched me so. Oh, I am so glad I got to see him, just one more time. What an honor and a joy! I was amazed that someone who was 99 years old (and the oldest person I have ever known!) could be so incredibly sharp and still have that really great wry sense of humor that he always had. That day, Mr. Snow recalled a story or two from my childhood, which he remembered in great detail. I had not remembered them nearly as well. I was delighted. It felt incredible for someone to tell me things about myself, from so long ago.

I, too, am the happy owner of one of Mr. Snow’s legendary and incredibly sharp, custom-made knives. It was a gift he bestowed upon me, that day. Julie said I was very fortunate indeed because not everybody gets one of those! Every time I use that knife, I say “Thanks, Mr. Snow!”. Now, I get to go on saying ‘thank you’ every time I use it - and every time I think of him … the Great Mr. Snow.

Angela (Goguen) Hannan

Mike and Donna Owens

October 16, 2010

We will miss Mr. Snow, and so will all our knives. He has been very kind to them through many years. My husband enjoyed his chats, especially sharing mutual Kansas stories with him in his workshop.

October 16, 2010

god bless you jim I will not forget you
chuck doane

Michael Chism

October 16, 2010

During my teenage years back in the 60's Mr. Snow was my barber. I always looked forward to my times with him. Often I would stop in at the Theater Barber Shop on my way home from Roosevelt and visit with him. He became my algebra mentor. One picture in my mind is of him sitting in his little shop waiting for his next customer bent over a calculus book.
He loved knives. We still have the set of Chicago Cutlery he gave us as a wedding present. I still have the love of a sharp knife that he infected me with.
He liked to speak of his boys, Charles and James. His love of football and SC was enhanced by James' play for those great teams during the "OJ" days. I guess it may have even influenced me in encouraging my youngest son to attend there for a graduate degree. Fight On. Mr. Snow impressed on me the elegance of a wise and simple life no matter the humbleness of calling. I remember one piece of wisdom he encouraged me with as I was preparing to go off to join the navy. He reminded me that if you go in a jerk, you will come out a jerk. He of course was a little more pity with his adjectives but I have always remembered his point: that circumstances don't make character so much as reveal it. His contentment with his humble calling revealed his good character. The good they die young. May the Lord bless you in your loss.

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