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BORN
1939
DIED
2025
James Josephson Obituary
May 29, 1939 – April 7, 2025
Bakersfield – James Carl "Jim" Josephson, age 85, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, in Bakersfield, California. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Jim lived a life marked by adventure, dedication, and deep faith.
Born on May 29, 1939, in San Jose, California, Jim was the son of Joseph B. and Ellen Josephson. He attended Bellarmine Preparatory High School before continuing his education at the University of Oregon where he was a standout running back for the Oregon Ducks football team. He met the love of his life, Linda, while attending school in Oregon. His early years laid the foundation for a life filled with purpose and passion.
Jim proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Army for four years, stationed in Frankfurt, Germany where he also played football for the 3rd Armored Division. His military service reflected his strong sense of duty and leadership-qualities that would define much of his personal and professional life.
Following his time in the Army, Jim embarked on a remarkable career as co-owner of San Joaquin Helicopters alongside his business partner and friend Lee Brown. For over 45 years, they successfully operated the company specializing in professional ground and aerial agricultural applications. Their work extended into farming operations, orchard removal services, and government contracting. Under their leadership, San Joaquin Helicopters became a respected name in its field-a testament to Jim's entrepreneurial spirit and tireless work ethic.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was known for his vibrant personality and zest for life. He had an adventurous soul that found joy in flying helicopters and airplanes, as well as driving fast boats-activities that combined both his love for aviation and thrill-seeking pastimes. Summers were often spent at Bass Lake with family and friends-a cherished tradition that brought him immense happiness year after year. Despite Jim's love for all things that entailed risk, strength and a huge amount of physical toughness (if you were hurt then rub a little dirt in it), he would also be the one secretly caught crying at sad commercials on television.
He had the biggest, most caring heart and would give anyone the shirt off of his back.
Jim's hobbies reflected his dynamic character: he enjoyed cooking hearty meals that included a lot of red meat (and eating ice cream afterward), reading a good book, restoring old cars, watching football or tennis matches with enthusiasm, playing ping pong with a competitive flair, skiing on both water and snow with athletic grace, and hunting with precision. Whether cooking in the kitchen or spending time outdoors, he approached everything with energy and joy.
His Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life. It guided him through challenges and triumphs alike and remained deeply important to him throughout the years.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife Linda Josephson; son Erik Josephson and daughter-in-law Kathy; daughter Gretchen Daughtery and son-in-law "D"; grandchildren Andrew Daughtery (and wife Brooke along with great grandson Maddux James), Caroline Daughtery, Evan Josephson, and Anna Josephson, and sister Sue Boudreau; as well as many other nieces and nephews who were touched by his warmth and humor. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph B. and Ellen Josephson; brother John Josephson; and sister Ann Wiefels.
Jim's legacy lives on through the countless memories shared by those who knew him-times filled with laughter, travel, eating, listening, sharing, -and above all else-the enduring love he gave so freely.
A Funeral Mass will be held to honor Jim's life on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church located at 12300 Reina Rd., Bakersfield, California 93312. Donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Bakersfield.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for James Josephson
3 Entries
Scott Van Bebber
May 2, 2025
I'm so sad to hear of Jim's passing. Jim and Linda were friends of my parents, Clyde and Jennie Van Bebber, as was his brother John. My father ran an aviation company in Porterville, and that is how they met. I spent many hours flying with Jim when I was a kid. In fact, Jim gave me my first actual documented hours of instruction when I was about 12 years old. Later, when my brother was attempting to get a football scholarship for college, Jim flew my father, my brother and myself to San Jose and arranged for us to meet one of his former coaches. That kind of generosity is how I'll remember Jim.
Scott Van Bebber
Philip/Marie Cacciola
May 2, 2025
To Linda and family, our sincere condolences.
We first met Jim and Linda in Bad Nauheim Germany in 1965 while serving with the 3rd armor division. Phil and Jim played football together in Europe with Howard Dyer. One interesting fact is after the birth of Gretchen we were asked to stand in as godparents for her baptism.
By chance, we were looking through old slides we had taken, and reminisced about our first visit to Jim and Linda's apartment. Phil went on line to search for Jim (it was April 30th) and all he said was "Jim just passed away". After reading the entire obituary, we realized his mass was being said that day. For us, it was God reminding us to remember the good people who were once in our lives.
Our love and prayers to Linda and may Jim rest in peace.
Phil and Marie Cacciola
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