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James Aldredge
1939 - 2025
BORN
1939
DIED
2025
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UPCOMING SERVICE
James Aldredge Obituary
It is with heavy hearts, but also with profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Jim Aldredge. He left this world peacefully at home on October 17th, surrounded by loved ones.
Jim was a pillar of our family and a figure of his community. He was preceded in death by his wife and, our dear mother and grandmother, Daisy Rae, and his brother, John Aldredge. While our hearts ache with their absence, we find comfort knowing they are now reunited.
Jim's story was one of quiet strength and dedication. A Fresno resident since he was four years old, he poured his heart into this city. He lived to serve with integrity and a deep desire to make a difference. From his early days as Assistant City Manager to his historic role as Fresno's first Black City Manager, his work was an extension of his love for his community. He was so proud of this city, and we were so incredibly proud of him.
After leaving City Hall in 1989, he transitioned into his career as a professor at Fresno State. For over a decade, he shaped the minds of future leaders, and in this role, his natural demeanor-that of a serious academic with a Ph.D. in Public Administration-found its perfect home. He was not one for easy praise, but his students and colleagues knew that his high standards were a form of deep respect. He was fiercely proud of his accomplishments, particularly the B'Nai B'rith Award, which reflected his lifelong fight for justice and equity.
At home, we knew the man behind the public figure. We saw the quiet dedication that replaced easy affection, the dry wit that could catch you by surprise, and the steadfast love he showed. We will fondly remember the stories he told of his brief stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates-a dream cut short by an injury, which ultimately set him on the path to becoming the formidable man we knew.
A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Westside Church of God.
In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with his forward-looking nature, donations can be made to the James E. Aldridge Foundation. We can think of no better tribute to a man who believed so deeply in building a lasting legacy through education and principled action.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for James Aldredge
Funeral services provided by:
Jesse E. Cooley Jr. Funeral Service, Inc. - Fresno1830 S. Fruit Ave., Fresno, CA 93706
Memories and Condolences
for James Aldredge
13 Entries
Kalem Barserian
Earlier today
My time with Jim was though baseball. Later as he climbed the latter of success I stayed in touch with him.
He is the greatest human being that I'm proud to say I knew.
Christopher Dana Cole, MSW
Earlier today
Jim was the epitome of a mentor, a social worker, and a good member of our community. I first met Jim as a student. He had gone to high school with my wife's family, and we grew to be friends. He was a tremendous help when I first began with the faculty at the Department of Social Work Education at Fresno State in 1996. It was during that initial time that Jim took me under his wing for support and guidance. I consider him a model human being, and despite our fun but engaging political discussions, I aim to be more like the person he was. He was a good friend and great professor. I miss our yearly holiday gathering with students and faculty at his condo's rec center. Our community and planet need more people in this world like Dr. Jim Aldredge. All my thoughts and prayers to his family.
Ambra O´Connor
Yesterday
Dr. Aldredge always saw the best in our students and always pushed us to do our best. Thank you for decades of support.
John Welty
Yesterday
Jim was extremely helpful to me when I joined the Fresno State community. His keen insight and commitment to making things better for the community was extraordinary and stimulated me to do as much as possible to make Fresno a better place for everyone.
Mark Scott
October 22, 2025
Jim Aldredge was one of my role models when I first started up the City Management ladder and he continued to be that and more later in my career. My path took me all over California, but Jim dedicated himself to Fresno. We are a better community thanks to him.
Mark Scott
Former Fresno CM
Jerry Bier
October 22, 2025
Jim was one of the smartest men I’ve known— and also one of the funniest!
I enjoyed working with him when I covered the City as a reporter with the Fresno Bee.
Connie Cha
October 22, 2025
I had the privilege of being one of Dr. James Aldredge´s students in the Master´s Program at Fresno State. He offered me unwavering guidance and support, and he believed in me even when I doubted myself. When I completed my degree, he told me that I was now "Certified Smart" and encouraged me to go out into the world, embrace my leadership potential, and make a positive difference.
Over the years, I would occasionally run into him, and despite having taught hundreds of students, he always remembered me and the conversations we´d shared. His kindness, wisdom, and belief in his students left a lasting impact. He is deeply missed.
Al Maroney
October 22, 2025
Uncle Jim:
Thank you for pushing me to achieve during my tenure as a police officer.
Your leadership, insight and inspiration helped to make me a better person.
Captain Al Maroney (ret)
Fresno Police Department
Dr Patsy Waderker Perry
October 22, 2025
I was honored to have been professionally mentored by Dr Aldredge as an Organizational Psychologist. He assisted to open many avenues for my ministry to our community.
May he now rest in God's arms.
Jack Globenfelt
October 22, 2025
Great man! A voice of reason
Worked with him when I was at the Fresno Convention Center
RIP
Mike Mathiesen
October 22, 2025
I am sad to read the news of Jim´s passing. Jim and I were friends from the 7th grade because of athletic competition. Few knew what a great athlete he was. He is remembered for his civic and community activity. I will remember him as my friend. Mike Mathiesen
Connie Clendenan
October 21, 2025
Dr. J was an incredibly gifted Athlete, Businessman, Leader, Professor & Friend. He made a difference in so many places including The City of Fresno, Fresno State & Edison HS. He preferred to be behind the scenes. Thanks for being my friend.
Mary Haskin
October 21, 2025
I was privileged to meet Mr. Aldredge in 2013 while organizing a joint reunion for Edison High School and Washington Union High School. It was a "North Ave" event as he affectionately called it with Dottie Smith. He was a generous man that had a good heart for his family and the community.
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