James Tomlinson

1944 - 2018

James "Jimmy" R Tomlinson
August 22, 1944 - May 5, 2018
On Saturday May 5th Jimmy passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord at home surrounded by his family.
He was born to Everette and Ilene Tomlinson the youngest of 5 children and was raised on a farm in Hughson, California. He attended Hughson schools and graduated in 1962.He met the love of his life Jackie Williams at his high school baccalaureate service and married her July 16, 1965.He was a heavy equipment mechanic for The Operating Engineers Local #3 for over 30 years.Work took him away from Hughson for 7 years but he returned in 1977 and began working on the family farm (along with his other job) until 2010.
His greatest love was his family. He just enjoyed every moment with them. He was an avid reader and history buff. He loved to garden and work with his hands. He used to draw up plans for his "Dream House". In 1982 he took a year off work and started building it out of an old family mule barn. He was pretty tickled when it made the front page of the Modesto Bee Home and Garden section.He was humble, compassionate, kind and funny. He always put the needs of others ahead of his own. He was not talkative, but when he spoke, you listened.He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hughson for over 30 years and Monte Vista Chapel for the last 7 years.
He was a mentor and father figure to numerous children other than his own Jocelyn Villan'né, Belinda Katt, Stephan Huesler Bonam, Liane Elliot, Pat Muniain, Kimber Styles Ashley and loved them all as his own.
He is survived by his loving wife Jackie of 52+years, daughter Kelly, son Jamie, daughter-in-heart Donna, grandchildren Elijah (Kayla), Nathaniel, David, Jeremy, Jonah, Jonathan, Chelssa, and Jeanette, great grandchildren Gavin and Elsie. Sister Eileene King, brother Everette, sister Nobuko Weigman and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12th at 11 a.m. at Monte Vista Chapel in Turlock, California. Enter from Monte Vista Ave (South Education Building).
In lieu of flowers we ask that you make donations to Sierra Vista Child and Family Services, 100 Poplar Ave., Modesto, California 95354 (https://www.sierravistacares.org/)
www.cvobituaries.com