Born in Davenport, Iowa to William and Gretchen Witherow, Jim moved to Fresno at a young age and loved his local community. He attended Fresno High School, Fresno City College, Fresno State, and San Joaquin College of Law. Jim practiced law in the Fresno area for 30 years, specializing in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability. It was important to him to give back to the community, in particular through his legal profession. Jim regularly provided pro bono legal services to those in need through the Voluntary Legal Services Program of Central California Legal Services. Additionally, he stayed involved with San Joaquin College of Law and helped start the First Generation Student Scholarship.
Music and playing guitar were one of Jim's passions, collecting a nice range of guitars and continuing to play in a rock band with friends from high school, the "Echo Bros." Jim also loved aviation, astronomy, trains, maps, and collecting postcards.
Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years Pití Gurza Witherow, son William Witherow, daughter Sonia Sunde and her husband Caleb, granddaughter Neva Sunde, brother Dave Witherow and his wife Kay, sister Suzy Edwards and her husband Don.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Joaquin College of Law Witherow First Generation Student Scholarship. Jim helped start this scholarship several years ago, and it's given annually to a law student that has demonstrated financial need, good academic standing, and is the first in their immediate family to obtain a bachelors degree. The scholarship is now named in Jim's honor. Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made at this location: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MLQ9AAAE2RNLS.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Hinds Hospice for their excellent care and support.
Jim will be remembered for his devotion to family and community, great sense of humor, high level of integrity and great character. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The family is holding a private memorial and celebration of life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Delia Rendon
Yesterday
I had the pleasure of knowing and working for Jim for 18 years until he retired. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to Piti and family.
Cheryl Chandler
January 19, 2026
I knew Jim for many years and always enjoyed talking with him. He was definitely one of the good guys. I remember when he bought the home in Fresno it had previously belonged to Rex Johnson, who was a business partner. At some point I had dinner at their home spending time with both he and his wife. Last I heard he had retired and gone to the central Coast. I moved last year from Fresno to Southern California and I´m sad to read this. My heart felt condolences to the family.
Marilyn C
January 18, 2026
One of the kindest people I met working in the workers compensation field. My condolences to his family.
Tim Franz
January 17, 2026
I worked with Jim at Industrial Imdemnity from 1978 to 1982. I will remember him as a genuinely nice person. Tim Franz
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Lisa M. Stone
January 17, 2026
Such fun memories of playing while our mothers played bridge. May his memory be a blessing.

Sue Edwards
January 15, 2026
We miss Jim deeply. He lived his life as a honest, caring, sincere, and dedicated person. I´ve aways looked up to him. He guided our family during the difficult of times as well as the fun times. Rest in peace my sweet brother.
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Funeral services provided by:
Neptune Society of Central California - Fresno1154 West Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93711

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