Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Mendenhall Obituary
Jim was born on August 28, 1948, and raised in Williams, California. He graduated from Williams High School in 1966 and attended Chico State University, where he was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. After earning his degree, Jim returned to Colusa County to work for the Colusa County Agricultural Department. He later left the Ag Department to farm his family's land and other leased properties before beginning a long and impactful career with the Williams Unified School District. Jim served the district for 26 years and retired in 2013 as the Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation.
In retirement, Jim cherished his time with family, especially attending sporting events and making memories with his grandchildren. The light of Jim's life was his wife of 26 years, Patricia "Patty" Mendenhall. Together, they were the best of friends and a perfect team. His deep and undeniable love for her shone brightly until the very end. They were truly two peas in a pod.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Patty; his sons, Eb Mendenhall (Shelley), Aaron Mendenhall (Nadine), and Lorin Mendenhall (Kelly); his daughter, Jodi Cortez (Tim); and his cherished grandchildren: Kayleigh, Tristen, Trevor, Trent, Jackson, Laney, Bear, Cooper, Ryan, and Asa. He is also survived by his sister, Leslie Swaner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn (Gobel) and Bryan Mendenhall.
A private ceremony was held by his family on May 3, 2025.
A public celebration of life will be held in July 2025 at the Williams Fire Department (date to be announced).
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Jim's honor to the Williams Fire Department.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Mendenhall
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in James Mendenhall's name
Memorial Events
for James Mendenhall
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Mendenhall's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
