James Everly

James Allen Everly

December 5, 1950 - February 13, 2023

Celebrating 72 years of life for James Allen Everly.

Jim was born and raised in a lower-middle class family in Los Angeles, California and as he put it, his family was one step ahead of poverty.

His father died suddenly when Jim was 12, leaving him to be raised by his mother, Dorothy May, and older brother, Jerry.

He spent his youth in auto shops developing his lifelong passion for restoring and racing classic Volkswagens - Bugs, Karmann Ghias, and Things. His passion for cars quickly turned into the need for speed. Strait-laced Jim found himself in high speed chases with the law. As he told the story, it was jail or war so, at age 17, Jim enlisted in the Army and was off to Vietnam. Like many others, he seldom spoke of it.

Returning from War, driving his '67 Chevelle, he landed a job in Hollywood as a gaffer/lighting professional for Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie and CHIP's. He often mentioned the wedding gift he received from Michael Landon... his very first personal video camera which he carried on his shoulder for many years. When the credits rolled, he always looked for old friends.

Jim married Debbie Roberson and had three daughters - twins, Cheryl and Kristine, followed by Stacy. They lived on a large piece of land in San Luis Obispo, raising goats, a couple of cows, and even a hawk from the old Cadillac commercials.

Inspired by CHIPs, Jim knew he was meant for law enforcement. Settling in Lompoc, CA, Jim finished his career serving 25 years as a real CHP.

After defying the odds at 37, Jim beat cancer and lived a full life. He fell in love and married Linda Banner who's large family Jim embraced as his own including two young boys. Curtis and Brandon became his sons. Jim was proud to play the role of grandpa to his many grandchildren and enjoyed taking them on in ping pong, sharing his love of the outdoors, and forcing them to try food they refused to eat.

Jim was an avid golfer (and proud 2X Village Country Club Mackie Tournament Champion), competitive bass fisherman, hunter, distinguished athlete, poker player, pilot & outdoorsman. He completed countless home improvement projects.

His favorite hobby included his love of dogs. He always had a well-trained dog by his side. After years of intense training and commitment, 2 of his dogs reached Master Hunter, something he was most proud of.

Jim's blue-collar upbringing, time in Vietnam, and experience in Law Enforcement gave him an appreciation for life. He was most happy on land he and Linda purchased in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - training his dogs, working around the property, and enjoying the simple life.

Jim spent his final day on Earth at a successful dog competition with his doggies, he even got to watch the Superbowl before he closed his eyes for the last time.

A simple life, well earned.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda, children and stepchildren, Cheryl, Kristine, Stacy, Curt, Brandon, 16 grandchildren, his extended family Lori, Terry, Tina, Casey, their spouses and children, and of course his dogs, Zena and Trooper.

Celebrating his life on Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at 11am. St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 2800 Harris Grade Rd, Lompoc CA 93436

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to:

CHP 11-99 Foundation

https://chp11-99.org/donate/

LVAC Lompoc Veterans Associates Council

100 E. Locust Ave, Lompoc CA 93436