James Phillip Poteete

James Phillip "Phil" Poteete, born February 10, 1938, in Taft, California passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, on September 15, 2025, in Bakersfield, California.

He was the youngest son of Tascol Clayborn Poteete and Glamer Bell Chapman and was proceeded in death by his much-loved siblings Betty Ayres and Dennis Poteete.

Phil married his high school sweetheart, Jeanette Miller in 1959 in a double wedding ceremony with her sister Monida. After graduating from San Jose State University with a degree in Industrial Arts, the two moved back to Bakersfield to start his career and their family. Phil was a lovingfather to his two daughters Kristie and Brooke.

For decades, he guided countless junior high students in the skills of mechanical drawing and woodshop, sharing not only his creative ability but also his steady guidance and dry wit.

Outside the classroom, he loved the mountains, especially drawn to the beauty of Yosemite National Park where he backpacked the complete John Muir trail. His spiritual journey was confirmed in his heart standing on a mountain top in Yosemite where he claimed to hear the "singing of angels". He loved taking friends and family water skiing, backpacking, and camping. His favorite pastime was playing spades and cribbage. He covered countless miles riding motorcycles with friends and his brotherDenny. He and Jeanette faithfully attended Bakersfield First Assembly of God for many years where he served as an elder and built lasting friendships.

After surviving two heart attacks and open-heart surgery, Phil received the gift of a heart transplant in February 2003. He went on to far exceed the average life span of a transplant, living more than 22 years beyond the surgery. This chapter of his life was marked by resilience and an overwhelming gratitude to God.

Family was the center of Phil's life. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol "Jeanette" Poteete; his daughters, Kristie McNaughton (Brad) and Brooke Graham (Randy). His beloved grandchildren who knew him as a supportive and proud grandfather are; Estie Ronk (Allen), Mystie Goodban (Troy), Chelsie Morgan (David), Bradford McNaughton (Laura), Chloe Graham Caploe (David), Phoebe Graham, and Lillie Graham. He is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren: Allen Ronk, Tyler Ronk, Jacob Ronk, Rylie Ronk, Mylie Goodban, Boady Goodban, Barrett Goodban, Owen Phillip Morgan, Jack Morgan, Wade Morgan, and Connor McNaughton. He will be missed by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law David and Gail Olds, and many nieces and nephews.

Whether in the stands at a game, attending school programs, along a hiking trail, or around the family table, "grandpa's" presence was steady and encouraging.

Please join us to celebrate his love of God, his devotion to his family, and his adventurous spirit.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 in the sanctuary of Bakersfield First Assembly of God, 4901 California Avenue, Bakersfield, California. A luncheon will follow in the Blue Chapel.