In Memory

James Fosdick VIEW PROFILE

James Darrel Fosdick, age 74, died on April 16, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim (Fearless Fosdick) lived his life to the fullest.

Jim was born June 7, 1946 in Bloomington, Illinois. His father worked for State Farm Insurance, so the family relocated frequently. It was in Alabama where Jim developed his signature southern accent.

In 1965 Jim graduated from Southeast High School in Lincoln, NE. He earned a degree from Kearney State College, where he was a member of Sigma Epsilon fraternity. After college Jim moved to Washington, D.C. where he worked as an accountant for the federal government. He couldn't stand the air pollution in D.C., so Jim returned to Nebraska. Jim worked at several banks in Lexington, NE. In 1976 he began a 45-year career as an insurance agent for State Farm Insurance in Nebraska and California.

A chance to join State Farm’s California Agency Leadership and enjoy warmer weather prompted Jim’s move to the west coast in 1984. Jim and his family settled in Scotts Valley. In 1989 the family moved to Hollister, where Jim returned to the work he loved most as a local State Farm agent. He served the community for 32 years. Jim took great pride in his agency and its customers. He received LUTC and LUTCF designations, and earned numerous service awards. Jim was a member of the Lifetime President's Club. Jim won Agent of the Year recognition several times in his career.

Jim Fosdick’s dedication to others was also demonstrated by his work with local Rotary Clubs. He joined the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz in 1985 and became a Hollister Rotary member in 1989. He served as a Rotary Club board member and receiving numerous Paul Harris Awards for his contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Jim brought in thousands of dollars in sponsorships every year as one of the top fundraisers for Hollister Rotary Club’s Annual Mission 10 Race. He also contributed to the community by donating to Hollister’s nonprofit organizations year after year. As an additional sign of respect for Jim, following his death the Club announced the creating of the Jim Fosdick Memorial Scholarship to be awarded annually in his honor.

Remembrances from his fellow club members underscored a collective admiration for Jim. They referred to him as an amazing man, the real deal, completely authentic, loved by his family and a true community advocate. They mentioned how they will miss his jokes, wit, wise counsel, friendly soul, heart of gold and that deep Alabama accent. Many people highlighted his kindness, and how he would give you the shirt off his back. He was friendly and talkative to just about everyone, even if he didn't know the person.

His children remembered Jim as a protector, mentor, best friend, and as kind, generous and loving. He taught them to be strong, to learn from their life choices and passed on his adventurous spirit. They will continue their father's legacy. His family and friends knew his personality was loud and bold. When it came to charity, though, he was quiet about his giving.

Jim was a sportsman and adventurer. His ultra-competitive nature always came to life on the links. He was an excellent golfer. His father taught him the game - they won many tournaments together in Nebraska. Jim passed his love of golf on to his son Robert, who was his favorite golf partner. He was an avid skier and scuba diver. He taught these skills to his children and passed on his adventurous spirit. His passion for running was shared with Carrie, who is a marathon runner. His family's favorite skiing spot was North Star in Lake Tahoe. He would hit the slopes two weeks every winter with his three best skiing buddies. He was a pilot and owned his own airplanes. He was a Harley-Davidson enthusiast and always attended the Hollister motorcycle rallies. Jim was always looking for his next adventure and was an avid Bay Area sports fan. He coached all his children in their sports when they were young, and loved watching his granddaughter Ayva play softball. He also loved his Ridgemark weekend walks with Angela and grandson Ace.

Jim will be missed by his office staff, his countrywide State Farm friends and associates, his faithful clients, the Rotary Club of Hollister and many dear lifelong friends in the community.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Darrel Jerome Fosdick and Martha Jane Fosdick, sister Mary Grimes, son John Fosdick and Mary Jane Fosdick (mother of his children). He will be deeply missed by his beautiful, love of his life, soul mate and best friend Janice Wagy Fosdick; and children Carrie Fosdick (Chris), Robert Fosdick, Kristin Fosdick and Angela Fosdick. Jim was extremely proud of his children and always had them in his heart and mind. Jim is also survived by beautiful granddaughters Jazmine Fosdick, Celeste Fosdick, Jaynie Fosdick and Ayva Fosdick; his only grandson Ace (PaPa's biggest admirer and speed bump buddy); siblings Sue Fosdick (twin sister), Michael Fosdick (Jane Ann), Kathy Decker (Bob), Timmy Fosdick (Sandy) and Jayne Brende (Daryl); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family mass is planned for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tres Pinos, California. A Celebration of Life for family and friends is being planned for a later, undetermined date. Memorial donations to honor Jim can be made to the United Way of San Benito County Community Fund.

 



 
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08/20/21 11:49 PM #1    

Steve McCormick

Fos....You were one of a kind. Enjoyed your wild nature and unrepeatable adventures at Chadron State & Kearney State College. I knew when Dean Paradise at CSC  told us "You Lincoln Boy's are out of here" it was taken as a challenge not a threat. I knew you'd be a great dad because nothing your kids did would be knew to you.

Who put the cherry bomb in the piano?

Steve McCormick  

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08/22/21 01:47 PM #2    

John Tidball

I have to echo Steve's comment about Jim - he was truly one of a kind.  We pushed the limits more than once but boy did we have fun.  I still remember the night Jim got the nickname Fearless Fosdick but I'll use a little discretion and not go there now.

Sounds like Jim's life was an exemplification of what I learned from him in high school - ultimate self confidence.  RIP Jim, you did good.


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