James Stewart West

James Stewart West
January 22, 1935 - March 13, 2016
It is with great sadness that family announces the loss of a fine gentleman, their beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, James Stewart West, at the age of 81.
Born in Modesto, to Donald and Ruby West. Jim was a third generation West, of the family owned and operated J.S. West Company, founded by his grandfather more than 100 years ago.
Jim attended Modesto High School, Menlo Junior College and Kansas State University before joining the family business. He quickly ascended through roles in the company to become shareholder, secretary and vice-president of the board. He was the face of J.S. West Milling Company and the voice of weekly ag reports of KTRB Radio.
Jim was known for strong family values, honest business practices and selfless involvement in the community.
He was kind and generous in spirit and all aspects of his life. Jim cared deeply for his family, friends, employees, colleagues and community.
Jim served as president of numerous organizations and foundations including Modesto Rotary Club, Modesto Junior College Foundation, Delta Blood Bank and Pacific Egg and Poultry Association. He was chairman of the American Egg Board and Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Other board memberships included National Ag Science Center Western Poultry Scholarship & Research Foundation, California Egg Commission, Sylvan School District and Modesto Radio Museum. He was a member of the Silver Panthers Group of Modesto High Alum.
Jim received countless civic and ag related awards throughout the course of his life. He was recipient of the "Good Egg Award." He had a great sense of humor and his ability to tell stories livened most board meetings. He was a member of Del Rio County Club.
In addition to spending time with his wife and family, Jim's other passions included cooking, reading, playing piano, listening to jazz, golfing and traveling.
Jim is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 44 years, Jessie, their children, Jason (Kim) West of St. Louis, MO, Janet (Bruce) Griskonis of Ashburn, VA, Linda (Patty) Pereira of Escalon, CA, Nancy Porteous-Thomas, of Carmel, CA and Bill (Mindy) Pereira of Sun Valley ID. 
Grandchildren include Tori West of St. Louis, MO, Daniel (Melissa) Bandy of Augusta, GA, John Oliver Porteous, Roseville, CA, Will (Lindsay) Pereira of Boulder, CO and Ashley (Dan) Webster of Santa Barbara, CA. Great grandchildren include Palmer, Zane and Haze. 
Jim is also survived by his brother, D. Gary (Barbara) West of Modesto, CA and sister Victoria (Clifford) Erickson of Aptos, CA.
Nephews include Robert West and Michael (Cathy) West and sons Jimmy, Noah and Nicholas all of Modesto, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made in Jim's honor, to the Modesto Junior College Ag Science Center, Modesto Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Gallo Center of the Arts or a charity of your choice.
A Memorial will be held in Jim's honor at Del Rio Country Club, March 23, at 3pm.
www.cvobituaries.com