Jim W. Coate Jun 20, 1936 - Jun 22, 2021
Jim Choate, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.
James Willard Choate was born to Edna and Howard Choate on June 20, 1936 in Porterville, California. He grew up in the orchards, hills, and mountains of the San Joaquin Valley. Growing up surrounded by nature, he learned about farming, ranching, hunting, and fishing. He worked outdoors from an early age alongside his father and uncles on the ranch where they lived.
He graduated from Porterville High School then enlisted in the Army. When he returned from his service, he graduated from Porterville College. During this time, Jim worked at Gang Sueds Restaurant with his lifelong friends Tim Sue and Jim Sims.
Jim then began his career in real estate specializing in title, escrow, sales management and real estate development. Early in his career, he managed Sierra Title Company in Ventura and was Vice President of Boulevard Escrow in Los Angeles. He then went on to start his own companies Davick Development, Independent Brokers Realty and Davick carms. Jim returned to his San Joaquin Valley roots when he invested in farmland that produced grapes, olives, almonds and citrus. One of these properties later became the site of Granite Hills High School in Porterville.
Before marrying the love of his life, Jeannette, his wife of 48 years, Jim derived great joy and purpose in raising his son David. In 1976, he and Jeannette moved to Camarillo to raise son David and daughter Victoria. In 1997, Jim became a proud grandfather to Rachel Choate whom he dearly loved.
Jim was happiest at home and cooked many delicious meals which always included farm fresh fruits and vegetables. camily, friends, and neighbors all knew where to go when they needed fruit for a pie or advice on gardening. He also enjoyed feeding his very lucky pets, wild birds, and other visiting creatures.
Jim quietly helped many facing challenges in their lives. He assisted his friend and mentor, Dr. Des Shields in his Acape Recovery Program. Jim will be missed for his generosity, great cooking, keen wit and observations about the world around him.
He is survived by wife Jeannette; son David Choate (Michellef; daughter Victoria Carter; granddaughter, Rachel Choate; sister, Darlene Hensley; brother in law, Duane Davis; and extended family. He was preceded in death by sister, Jackie Davis.
The family would like to thank Dignity Health and Livingston Memorial Hospice for their kindness.
A memorial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 31 at Ventura Center for Spiritual Living located at 101 South Laurel St., Ventura. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an animal rescue of choice or to Livingston Memorial Hospice.