James Joseph Chovanec
James Joseph Chovanec
Obituary
Guest Book
James Chovanec Obituary
On Sunday January 5 the world lost a very kind, gentle man, strong in character, passionate in his beliefs as a Vegan. Jimmy died in his sleep peacefully in his humble home in Dustin Acres, CA at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with heart disease.
He will be forever missed by his brother John Chovanec (Judith), his sister Gloria Varela, his sister Linda Janosz (Scott Beran), his sister-in-law Regina Chovanec (late brother Daniel), and youngest sister, Cynthia Chovanec, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
As a young man in the prime of his life, Jimmy served in the military during the Vietnam War era. He later married, moved from the Midwest to California, and then got divorced.
Jimmy loved California where he lived a simple, but full life in his very own unique way. He had personally and actively worked very hard for many years as an advocate for the ethical treatment of all animals.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Linda Janosz and Scott Beran
July 30, 2025
Today is July 30, 2025 this would be Jim's 80th birthday. I would like to share an excerpt from a letter I got from him about 20yrs ago. At the time he had a civil service job on an island in the Pacific Ocean. .................Dear Linda Sister, how are you and Scott doing? I'm ok, the weather around here has been overcast most of the time. Sometimes the fog is mysterious you see things go in but not come out! I sometimes go out for a run after work, at the seashore. I look out, and all I see is ocean. Water. Moving water as far as I can see, nothing but ocean and that is what I want. Sometimes at low tide, I can travel across the sand. When you take off your shoes you see a different kind of footprint, but water waves will erase them. When the wind is from the North it will resist your movement that way, but not back. Sometimes it will soothe the worries from your brow. The longer your hair is, the more it will run it out. The sand is made of many small pebbles so don't try to count them. The Earth is a Big circle. When you get to the end, it starts all over again and never really stops. Sometimes you have to stop and really listen to the songs of the wind and waves, an ancient song that has a meaning to those ready to hear this song as old as time itself! Well, I gotta go so, Bye now, Love Jimmy
Jackie
July 23, 2025
Happy Birthday Uncle Apple!
Regina Chovanec
February 11, 2025
Thank you for sharing the last year of your life with me Jimmy !!!! I´ve gotten to know you on a much more deeply level. How much you loved and wanted love. You gave of yourself by giving love and sharing your deepest feeling for your family which I was part of as your sister in law. I will always pray for you and love you from afar. May God bless you and keep You in his arms along with your brother Danny my beloved husband. My favorite words you said after we talked was by now as if we were going to talk soon, which we did!!!! I´m
Missing our talks about what we did that day and how we felt. You never failed to ask about how I´m feeling even when you were so tired you just keep talking and I wanted to end the call cause I hurt for you but you said your Ok!!! Love you with all my heart love You your loving sister and FRIEND
Regina Chovanec
February 11, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Gloria Varela
February 9, 2025
My brother jim, a lover of animals(who literally wouldn't hurt a fly) helped others who were in need, and showed his kindness in many ways, is now at peace after a long battle with heart disease.
Although his is gone from this planet, I know he is in a better place.
Gloria varela
February 9, 2025
My brother Jim,a lover of animals,who literally wouldn't hurt a fly,helped others who where in need, and showed his kindness in many ways ,fought a long illness with heart disease, is now at rest and in a better place!
Heidi Januszewski
February 7, 2025
(niece) my son still has the cool old cars you gave him when he was little
Heidi Januszewski
February 7, 2025
My memory of my uncle Jimmy is great. He was always wonderful to my children and my nephew. He would send them cute little gifts and wonderful books with little hidden treasures inside and wrote adventurous letters to them. He was very very nice man And I wish I got to say goodbye. .
Terry Hudson
February 3, 2025
James was a great man, an excellent neighbor, and a brother from Vietnam. I enjoyed our conversations and his views on many subjects. James lived by what he believed in and was very good at expressing his point of view. His presence will be missed but his memory will last forever.
Ria Hudson
February 3, 2025
Jim was a very nice man and a great neighbor. I always enjoy looking at his house and seeing the cat silhouette on the roof and his Christmas tree lights up all year long. We will miss him coming over to chat. Rest in peace Jim.
Joann (niece)
January 23, 2025
Uncle Apple, you were a unique one of a kind. I wish I had the courage to stand up and fight for beliefs like you did. I admire you. Say hello to Dad, no doubt you are sharing a beer, looking down on us. Go easy on the carnivores, they too have a soul! ;)
Erik
January 23, 2025
Uncle "Apple" as his nieces and nephews called him lived his life to the fullest under his own terms. MY he rest in peace.
Julia Chovanec (Neice)
January 23, 2025
Uncle Apple and I spoke over the phone often throughout the years. We had a hiccup in our relationship when I spoke ill of the squirrels terrorozing my balcony furniture...nonetheless he let that slide and we continued to talk about once every two weeks for the past few years especially.
He was always concerned about my well being and the status of my affairs in life. Always trying to give helpful advice. I would also listen to how he overcame some of the nuances in his own life which made it interesing too! We also spoke about our family- alot! He lived far away from us but his heart was always with us!
This is especially diffucult for me because as he grew more sick I had urged him to come back to the Midwest even if for a short time. I know we all offered him comfort and a place to stay if he returned. On Friday night we spoke for 22 minutes, it was one of those calls where I was in the car and sat there until I could pause and say- this isnt really a good time, let me call you again soon. Ughhh! I told him to call an ambulance if needed. That call haunted me all through Saturday...on Sunday morning I checked flights to Bakersfield- enoughs enoughs, Im going to get him (or at least visit)!! And then he passed.
I am so grateful for the hour long chats that we had on the weekends and that he stood up for all things important to him and didnt bother with the things in life that brought him no value. Uncle Jimmy I miss you, Im sorry I cut that call short and I hope you find comfort in the Universe with my dad. Love you, "Julie"
Jackie
January 23, 2025
Uncle Apple, you were always true to your passionate beliefs and you provided a voice for our many precious animals, you were an Angel on earth! Now you are an Angel above, and without a doubt still providing that voice! A gentle selfless soul to say the least. Rest easy Uncle Apple, and tell the beautiful world up there I said hello
Janice
January 23, 2025
Rest in peace and Say hi to my dad Uncle Apple
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
2801 F Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Make a Donation
in James Chovanec's name
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Chovanec's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
