James Richard Hamblin

James (Jim) Richard Hamblin
September 23, 1929 – August 26, 2024
Jim, or "Chief" Hamblin as many knew him, a dedicated volunteer firefighter for 70 years
and a beloved father and husband, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024, at the
age of 94.
Born on September 23, 1929, to Marguerite Ivy and Willliam James, Jim led a life
marked by selfless service and unwavering commitment. He is remembered for his
extraordinary dedication to his community where he served as a volunteer firefighter for
a remarkable seven decades.
He was married three times throughout his life. His first wife, Margorie, his second wife,
Erma, and his third wife, Marion, each played a significant role in his journey.
Jim was a lifelong baseball fan, playing for Greenville High and being recognized as a
young man as being very skilled in the sport with an offer to play at a minor league
level. Later in life Jim could be found coaching youth in Greenville. Jim was a lifelong
New York Yankee fan, and he rarely missed a game on television. For many years, Jim
and his family would spend time at Spring Training in Arizona.
Jim enjoyed camping with his family, taking many trips to California and Oregon.
Anyone who camped with him knew that he was always prepared with the right tools
and supplies for the job, and he even brought his own TV so he could tune into the
Yankee game. He also enjoyed Glen Miller big band music and would find a way on to
the dance floor when he had an opportunity.
Jim was a hard-working man, operating the town garage and was known to be an
excellent mechanic. He also spent time managing and maintaining the regional sewer
systems and sitting on community boards.
As a volunteer firefighter for Indian Valley is where Jim made his most significant impact
on his community. Jim joined the fire department right out of high school and officially
retired from duty at the age of 88, making him the longest serving fire fighter in the
country. This served as an inspiration to many others as he spent his life listening to the
scanner and responding to calls to help those in need day or night. He was recognized
at both a 60 and 70 years of service gathering in his community; having received
awards, testimonials and letters of recognition from the State of California and by the
US House of Representatives.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved brother, William Kenneth, who lost his life in
World War II, his daughter Cathy in 2021 and his wife Marion in 2021. He is survived by
his son Dick, his five grandchildren Rick, Steve, Rebecca, Richard and Liz, ten great
grandchildren: Sage, Lewis, Richie, Hai'Lee, Payton, Preston, Sydney, Logan, Jackson
and Evelyn and one great – great grandchild ZayDn as well as those as part of his lives
with Erma and Marion. Jim was proud of and took care of his family.
He will be remembered for his service, strength, mentorship, leadership and the
incredible mark he left on his community of Greenville. His legacy of service and love
will continue to inspire those who knew him.
A memorial service will be held in his honor at 1:00 on September 28, 2024, at
Greenville Cemetery with a reception and potluck to follow at the Taylorsville Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Greenville Taylorsville
Volunteer Firefighters Association in Jim's memory.
Greenville Taylorsville Volunteer Firefighters Association
PO Box 304
Taylorsville, CA 95983
951-205-5080
530-310-1818
Lucas@indianvalleyfire.com