James Andrew Curtis

James "Jim" Curtis

April 8, 1947 - July 7, 2025

James (Jim) Curtis passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2025, with his beloved wife, Mary, by his side, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. He was 78 years old.

Jim was born on April 8, 1947, in Fresno, California, to H. Travis and Dorothy Curtis. He grew up in Easton with his older brother, Travis, and younger sister, Sandra, and remained deeply rooted in the community throughout his life.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Mary Dack, and together they celebrated 57 years of marriage on July 5, 2025. Their life together was filled with love, hard work, and deep family bonds. They raised four children: Brett (Lisa), Melissa (Dan), Ryan (Marjorie), and Michael (Gaby). Jim's legacy continues through his grandchildren: Karley (Blake), Zachary, Christopher, Tyler, Braden, Breanne (Ryan), and Noah, all of whom brought him great joy and pride.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Travis and Dorothy Curtis; his brother, Travis Curtis; and his sister-in-law, Janice; his nephew, Dale Curtis; his in-laws, Ed and Rachel Dack; his brother-in-law, John Dack; and his sister-in-law, Phyllis Salazar, who passed away just two weeks after Jim.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Mary; their four adult children and many beloved grandchildren; his sister, Sandra Curtis; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Priscilla Dack; and numerous nieces and nephews who cherished him deeply.

A graduate of Washington Union High School, Jim was a natural leader and active in sports, band, and student government, serving as student body president. He continued his education at Reedley College, where he played baseball and football and participated in the band, before majoring in Agriculture and Viticulture at Fresno State College.

Jim devoted his professional life to agriculture, specializing in ag management and farm consulting. His early work focused on raisin grapes, tomatoes, and pomegranates, but his true passion lay in viticulture. His expertise took him across the country and around the world, with highlights including planting vineyards for Concannon Winery in Livermore and collaborating with renowned vintner Agustin Huneeus on projects throughout California. In later years, Jim found great satisfaction in farming pistachios.

His dedication to the Easton community was unwavering. Jim co-founded and organized the local Pop Warner Football program, coached youth sports, and served on school boards for more than 40 years. His service included nearly a decade with the Pacific Union School Board and over 30 years with the Washington Union High School and Washington Unified School Boards. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Wonderful Ag Institute and Health Institute, and helped lead the transformation of the district-including the construction of a new football stadium and the modernization of the high school campus. He was instrumental in the unification of Washington Unified, always working with students' futures in mind.

Jim will be remembered for his generosity, strong work ethic, deep-rooted values, and his unwavering love for family, farming, and community.

In lieu of flowers the family will be settng up a Jim Curtis Memorial Scholarship Fund for a graduating Ag student from Washington Union High School. More information will be given at ba later date.