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James Wattenbarger Obituary
December 23, 1937 – December 23, 2025
Born December 23, 1937, in Bakersfield, California to James T. Wattenbarger and Bernice (Moore) Stewart.
Called home to heaven on December 23, 2025. It was his 88th Birthday.
From his self-published book Confessions of a Wordsmith: The Complete Incomplete Works of James L. from Oildale: "Educated: Oildale grammar schools Standard & Beardsley, Bakersfield High School Class of 1955, one semester Bakersfield Junior College, and the University of Trial and Error. My first paycheck came from Standard Oil Company, where I worked the summer of 1956 as a roustabout at their Bakersfield refinery. Since then, I have been a nail driver, concrete man, design draftsman, construction equipment operator, residential builder and remodeler, real estate developer, golfer and driving range owner, mobile home park developer/owner, landlord, hunter, fisherman, softball pitcher, dirt bike rider, ultra-light pilot, guitar picker/songwriter and poet laureate. I once traveled to Canada and have visited Mexico – that was far enough out of town for this homeboy. I have shared some magnificent friendships, dabbled in philanthropy, been sued, lied to, and cheated. I have experienced the touch of sorrow and been flooded by oceans of joy. Blessed with a tradition-oriented, fun spirited, Christian wife and, from my grandparents to my grandchildren, a fantastic family...What more can be said? Except...
A Salvation Thought: The sweetness of the moment. The wisdom of the age. The best life has to offer, is but a turning page. Go and sample truth and honor. Make your word your bond, and dream that some good fairy will wave her magic wand. Then, gaze into the cosmos and assess the vast reward that waits for all mankind who acknowledge Christ as Lord."
Jim is survived by Gloria, his beloved wife of 68 years; his three children Julie Carter, Jamie Wattenbarger and Justen Wattenbarger (wife Misty); six grandchildren, Curtis Carter III (wife Amy,) Callie Nielsen, Clint Carter (wife Jillian), Jacob Richardson, Ethan Richardson (wife Chloe), and Eve Wattenbarger; and nine great-grandchildren, Cooper and Camden Carter, Cale and Cate Nielsen, Grace and Leah Carter, and Riley, Wyatt, and Luke Richardson. Jim is also survived by his brothers John Wattenbarger-Stewart (wife Vicky), Jerry Wattenbarger (wife Jan); and his sister Rosalie Stewart Faith (husband Cliff), as well as many well-loved nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death this past May by his beloved sister, Judy Secrist.
Our special thank you to all at Hoffmann Hospice who gave Jim the finest care possible. And to our caregiver Ivette Navaro who so lovingly cared for him.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, 11:30am at Valley Baptist Church (Olive Drive Campus), 5500 Olive Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308. Luncheon to follow at the church.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Wattenbarger
Ron Jones Jr.
January 15, 2026
I met Jim in junior high, but my parents both knew him and Gloria back in high school. I got to know all three of his children because we attended the same church. I have fond memories of church socials at the Wattenbarger home off Day Street. Jimmy took a handful of us boys deer hunting when we were in high school. We went up by Jack Ranch and Balance Rock somewhere...reflecting upon this after I heard he had passed, I don't think he ever "planned" to get a deer. A bunch of teens tromping through the forest is not exactly ideal hunting conditions. However, what we did that evening lasted far longer than some venison jerkey...he got his guitar out, and we started singing along to John Denver songs. I clearly and fondly remember singing vigorously without reservation or embarrassment. Over the years, we would run into each other and enjoy some chatting. I went to the Oildale Library when his book was released to get my signed copy. He was a good man and a good American. A rare man indeed. A poet with a hammer and shovel...and a bible too. I am very grateful to have known him. My best to his beautiful family and many friends back home in Bakersfield and beyond.
The Donut Lady Pattie Salyards
January 12, 2026
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Carolyn Himenes
January 12, 2026
In the short period of time I was able to spend with Jim. I was so fortunate to get to know as a kind hearted person that he was and everything that he had accomplished in life. I´m truly blessed to be able to have had the opportunity to get to know him.
Don
January 11, 2026
Knowing this was coming did not lessen the deleterious wave of sadness that overwhelmed me at this news.
The construction industry oft times delivers such enigmatic men but not at such high caliber.
I, like so many others, will miss his presence under the sun.
Psalm 116:15
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Mike & Sharon Kelly / Houston
January 8, 2026
What a "kind" and one-of-a-kind man. Didn´t know Jim very long but long enough to know he was a serious student of the bible, worshipped his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, adored his wife and loved his family and friends. Met him through our best friends in Missouri, the Griffins. Was a stellar poet, word-crafter and storyteller, the best one I´ve ever known. He was so generous to share his advice and expertise with a rookie.
His poetry would have gotten my attention in high school, way back in the 60´s, because it was bare-knuckles "real". Jim had a unique understanding of life, certainly the distinctly important things, and our culture. Thanks to Jim and thank God for the message he shared in such an enjoyable format of Americana and readability; the likes of which, like auld classic movies, we´ll probably never see again.
JIM
Hey Jim our friend
Times been so short
God called you home
To join His court
We cannot imagine
What you have seen
But know you're missing
Your sweet GloJean
Our thanks old man
For prose you wrote
It reminds us all
Through you Christ spoke
We're all left behind
To finish God's will
As we ponder truths
To scale life´s hill
We will never know
The souls you touched
With poems you penned
They clarify so much
While reading your words
And missing your laugh
We´ll give God thanks
"America" records James L.´s epitaph
Our love Mike & Sharon Kelly / BBBB
Denise McPeak
January 7, 2026
My husband, Motti, and I met Mr. Wattenbarger in the mid 90's when we lived in Bakersfield. We have fond memories of listening to him recite his poetry at the lovely home he built and shared with Gloria. Motti recalls one night when he came to Cafe Med where he worked and after having dinner he sat outside and recited his poetry to a handful of people. Motti was so impressed and happy to be the recipient of Confessions of a Wordsmith No. 303 of 1000 with a lovely personal message written inside. He pulls the book off the shelf periodically to read his favorite poem, Cowboy Bob and the Silver Spur. Mr. Wattenbarger may be gone but he will always reside in our hearts and our bookshelf. Our condolences and gratitude to the Wattenbarger family.
Love,
Denise & Motti
Judy Jones-Pena
January 7, 2026
So sorry to hear about Jimmy today. So many fond memories with you Gloria & Jimmy. Lots of laughs of old memories. Thinking of our dinner at Red Pepper & Jimmie giving me his last book. He was so gifted with words. Praying for you Gloria & the days ahead.
Doug Gentry
January 7, 2026
In 1973 Jim took a chance on me, an 18 year old kid whom he didn't know. He sold me a brand new duplex on Carrere St in Oildale. He carried the papers, no bank, no trying to qualify for a loan. The contract was written on a piece of paper torn out of his binder and we both signed it. He was an old school gentleman and I never forgot his kindness.
DEBBIE ANTON
January 7, 2026
So sorry for your loss. May his memory be eternal.
Debbie Anton
Ron Richardson
January 6, 2026
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Jim was a mentor to so many people and I have so many fond memories of sitting in duck blinds and hanging out at Poso Creek. I´ll see you again when I get to Heaven.
Tim and Kathy Holloway
January 6, 2026
What else can be said about James L. from Oildale. He was an amazing man and human being. He was so loved and will be missed by anyone who ever got to know him. I met Jimmy through my husband Tim, Jim's cousin on his mother's side. His obit says it all. We played at his softball tournament in his huge backyard off of Manor. What fun that weekend was. He is up in heaven fishing with BIG JIM, pulling in the biggest catches ever. I would say "Rest in Peace Jimmy" but I think "Fish On" is a better send off.
We will miss you Cousin.
Love to all the family,
Tim and Kathy Holloway
Brad Robinson
January 5, 2026
What can I say about Mr.James L. I always considered him the Godfather of the Wattenbarger family. But he was more than that he was a friend a mentor and luckily for me he considered himself a big brother to me. Like the way he always ended our text to one another BCNU4NOW
Brenda Wattenbarger
January 5, 2026
Jim was one of a kind, sad to hear he is no longer with us. He was an amazing man and master of all he put his mind too. Hope he is playing his guitar and writing poetry wherever he is. He will definitely be missed. Love Brenda Wattenbarger
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