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James David "Jim" Babbitt

James David "Jim" Babbitt obituary

James Babbitt Obituary

Babbitt, James David
James "Jim" David Babbitt passed away peacefully August 29, 2013. He is survived by his wife Marge; children Susan Babbitt, James Babbitt Jr., Mark (Melanie) Tabor, Chris (Teena) Tabor, Nancy Tabor; sisters Rosemary Babbitt, Catherine B. Ramsey, Margaret B. Charles; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends who all dearly love him and will miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond G. and Rose Walsh Babbitt; his first wife Alice C. Babbitt; and his brothers Raymond G. "Ted" Babbitt and David W. Babbitt. Jim was born June 17, 1924 in California. He grew up in Northern Arizona, enjoying the small town life of Flagstaff prior to WWII. When the war broke out, he enlisted and became a fighter pilot for three years, flying the P-47 single engine plane across Europe. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters. After the war, he came home and worked for Babbitt Brothers Trading Company for several years before being offered a position at the first Ford dealership in Arizona owned by his uncle, E.D. Babbitt. In 1965, he bought the dealership. For the past 25 years, he has partnered in the business with one of his closest, most valued and trusted friends, Alan Chan. Jim and Marge were on site the very day that the dealership celebrated its centennial anniversary on December 12, 2012. This was a moment of incredible pride for Jim. He also spent many years on the Board of Directors for the Babbitt Ranches, another enterprise he held close to his heart. He continued to enjoy his association with the ranches and with the president, William C. "Billy" Cordasco, whom he cared for deeply. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved the ranching business, fishing, hunting and skiing. He enjoyed travelling, especially to Mexico and Hawaii. Jim will be remembered by those who knew him best as a fine, quiet, compassionate man with a keen sense of humor and fun. He was a man who savored every moment life had to offer and was extremely grateful to God for his family and friends. A memorial service celebrating the life of this remarkable man will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Elks Lodge in Flagstaff, AZ. Casual or Hawaiian attire is optional. In lieu of flowers, the fam
ily suggests donations be made to one of Jim's favorite organizations, the local Marine League Charities for either Toys for Tots or Wounded Warriors of AZ, P.O. Box 127, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0127.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Sep. 11 to Sep. 15, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Knew Jim for many years. He was a very kind and friendly man. God bless him and his family.

Don Atha

September 13, 2013

Dear Family,
We are so sorry for hear of your loss. May you find comfort in Family, Friends and the promises of God. Luke 1:78

Sherry

September 13, 2013

Just sold my ford explorer that I bought from him in '99. Thoughts and prayers with the family.

September 12, 2013

Saw Jim once a month for years, when he came to the barber shop, was a treat to talk to him and was always such a gentleman, will miss you Jim, God Bless the family.

Gary Rhodes

September 11, 2013

my thoughts and prayers with the family at this time I grew up in flagstaff my parents always bought their cars from jim Babbitt god bless hjelmi borg hazelton

hjelmi hazelton

September 11, 2013

May the lord watch over your family in this time of need, God Bless you for your loss.

Jeann Goertemiller

September 11, 2013

my prayers are with all of you. Having grown up in Flag & working at Babbitt's, this feels like a part of my family is gone.

Laura Roybal

September 11, 2013

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