James Boyd Preble

1928 - 2024

James Boyd Preble

December 11, 1928 - January 4, 2024

Fresno, California - James Boyd Preble was born on December 11, 1928 and passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024 with family by his side. His passing came just over three weeks after celebrating his 95th birthday.

James was born in Long Beach, California to Boyd & Marian Lucille Preble. He was their only child. He moved a lot during his life, spending time in Long Beach, San Diego, San Fernando, Exeter, Madera, Palo Alto, El Segundo and then finally settling in Fresno.

After graduating from Madera Union High School, he attended Stanford University where he obtained a Civil Engineering degree. Following graduation from Stanford, he married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Alice Lewis, on April 28, 1951. After the wedding the two made their first home in El Segundo, California. Several years later, the couple moved to Fresno, California where they raised their family. Wanda preceded James in passing, on May 19, 2022, just three weeks after their 71st wedding anniversary.

After working for American Aviation for 2-1/2 years, James earned a civil engineering position with the City of Fresno. After several years with the City, he went to work for Chamberlin Engineering. Later, he and Wilson Hanna were made partners and the company became known as Chamberlin, Hannah & Preble. After Mr. Chamberlin's passing, dad and Wilson bought out his interest and renamed the company Hanna & Preble. Later on, in the early 80's dad would continue his trade working for Rabe Engineering until retiring in 2014.

A significant influence in his life was Community United Church of Christ (formally known as College Community Congregational Church) and he enjoyed serving time as a Decon for the church.

Things James loved the most; Wanda, his family, trips to Pismo Beach, birthday celebrations & funny cards, bridge nights, completing all the puzzles in the games section of the Fresno Bee, Friday night dinners, books & movies, Taco Tuesdays, and coffee.

Surviving James are his children Tom Preble, Jeri Crowley, Chris (Dana) Preble, and Pauline Preble; granddaughters, Jennifer Crowley, Rachel (Paul) Cha, Averee Preble, Audree (Zach) Koch; three great-grandchildren, Mallorie, Maxxwell and Ezra as well as many nieces and nephews.

Per James's request, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Community United Church of Christ or your favorite charity.