James Arthur "Jim" Eskridge

1942 - 2015

BORN

1942

DIED

2015

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University of California| Berkeley

James Eskridge Obituary

James "Jim" Arthur Eskridge

James "Jim" Arthur Eskridge, 72, of Rancho Mirage, CA lost his battle with brain cancer on June 5, 2015 in Seattle, WA. He was born on December 25, 1942 to Arthur Walker Eskridge and Evelyn Meyers Eskridge in San Diego, CA. He was married to Sharen Creamer Eskridge on March 14, 1962. Jim was educated in San Diego City Schools and in 1961 he was recruited by the University of California to play basketball and graduated from there in 1968. In 1975 Jim earned his Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School with Highest Distinction and was named a Baker Scholar. Jim started his career in Southgate, CA at General Motors Assembly Division and was transferred to the New York Treasurer's Office in 1970. In 1977 he was sent to Detroit as head of Worldwide Product Programs. He joined General Mills, Inc. in 1982 as Chief Financial Officer of its' Toy Group and later became CFO of General Mills Non-Food. Jim joined Mattel Toys in 1988 as Chief Financial Officer. In 1992 he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Fisher-Price, and in 1995 he was again promoted to President, Mattel Worldwide. After retiring from Mattel in 1996, Jim went on to serve as Chairman and CEO of The Stride Rite Corporation. Jim retired in the Coachella Valley in 1996 and during his time here, gave generously to the community. He served on the Board of Trustees as well as the Board of Directors for Eisenhower Medical Center. Jim was passionate about Thunderbird Country Club, and as president of the club oversaw the construction of its new clubhouse in 2003. Additionally, Jim outfitted Jefferson Middle School of Indio with band uniforms, and provided college scholarships for several students from Coachella Valley High School and scholarships for University of California, Riverside basketball players. Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharen Creamer Eskridge, daughter Jennifer Eskridge of Rancho Mirage, son Mark Eskridge and wife Andrina Bigelow of Seattle, WA; grandchildren Joshua Brennecke, Kelli Brennecke, and Taylor Eskridge. Jim was predeceased by son, Jonathan David Eskridge, his mother, father and two brothers. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested that donations be made to American Brain Tumor Association for Glioblastoma Multiforme Research, Thunderbird Employees Scholarship Fund or The Eisenhower Medical Center Foundation.

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Published by The Desert Sun from Jun. 20 to Jun. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Eskridge

7 Entries

Mary Pat Blake

January 9, 2016

Mrs. Eskridge and family, my deep condolence to you. I just learned today that Jim has passed on. We worked together at the General Mills Toy Group Office in NYC many years ago where I was a Director of Finance and reported to him. He was a great boss & mentor to me, for which I am eternally grateful. Our careers took us in different directions and I had hoped to reconnect with him now to send my greetings. I'm a bit in shock. My heart goes out to you all.

Matt Sato

July 6, 2015

Jim sat near me in Mrs. Gaydos English Lit class at Lincoln High, San Diego. Our other tie is that we both worked for Mattel, however, I was in Mattel Western Sales as a retail representative and a supervisor between 1966 and 1969-Jim had not started at that time. When I went to Lincoln High, I was an interloper/transfer from San Diego High. Jim was very friendly toward me and did not let that fact stand in the way of his being friendly.

William Glover

June 24, 2015

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Eskridge Family. I knew Jim and Sharon from Thunderbird Country Club, wonderful people. May God speed his healing hands around your broken hearts and give you peace knowing that he is now resides in Heaven. ~ The William Glover Family

Jerry Smith

June 21, 2015

I only knew Jim for the past four years having worked with him on the Thunderbird Homeowners Assoc.
What a privilege to get to know him work and learn from him. He was an incredible man who everyone liked and admired. His determination and ability to communicate during some difficult times was amazing! He will truly be missed.

Judie Brown

June 20, 2015

I send my condolences to his family at the loss of a great and talented man who gave to our desert community with his generosity. Although I never met this talented man, I have respect for him through his contribution. I live in Rancho Mirage also. I send my condolences to each member of his family for your loss.

Robin Black

June 20, 2015

Sharon,
I am so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

sandra Silha

June 20, 2015

Mrs.eskridge,and family. I worked at TBCC for nearly 25yrs, and was so sorry to hear of your loss. I always held you and your husband In the highest regard. He will be missed. You are in my heart, and prayers.

Sincerely, Sandy Silha

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