The life may have ended too soon, but the good times were aplenty.
James came into this world during a rare summer storm and just like any force of nature, he made an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him. Born to Edward and Lorrayne Stafford, James grew up in a loving home that laid the foundation for the man he would become.
As a young boy James took to fishing, developed a great artistic idea and showed a certain penchant for mischief that stayed with him throughout his life. He attended Thomas Downey High School and graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1967.
Shortly upon returning to Modesto he met Barbara, who would become the love of his life and the pair wed in 1968.
He went to work at Tri Valley Growers, Plant #7 in 1969 and stayed there for the next 30 years as a printer and fork-lift operator. He was a member of the Teamster’s Union 748. He was a member of the Old Fishermen’s Club.
He was a creative soul; a curious scholar; and an outdoor enthusiast. He had a profound relationship with God. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family, especially if he could slip in some good-natured teasing while with them.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Stafford; mother, Lorrayne Stafford; daughters, Sabra Stafford and Sue Bowman; son, Terry Nichols; sister, Susan Stafford; grandchildren, Aaron Bowman (Mae), Brieanna Sims (Cody) and Dylan Bowman; niece, Veronica Overturf (Randy); nephew, Scott Stafford (Tammy); great-granddaughters, Tori, Hannah and Lexi; and numerous great-nieces, nephews and cousins, and two aunts. He was preceded in death by his father, Keary Edward Stafford.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 22 at Modesto Covenant Church at Pearson’s Hall, 913 Floyd Ave.
James came into this world during a rare summer storm and just like any force of nature, he made an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him. Born to Edward and Lorrayne Stafford, James grew up in a loving home that laid the foundation for the man he would become.
As a young boy James took to fishing, developed a great artistic idea and showed a certain penchant for mischief that stayed with him throughout his life. He attended Thomas Downey High School and graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1967.
Shortly upon returning to Modesto he met Barbara, who would become the love of his life and the pair wed in 1968.
He went to work at Tri Valley Growers, Plant #7 in 1969 and stayed there for the next 30 years as a printer and fork-lift operator. He was a member of the Teamster’s Union 748. He was a member of the Old Fishermen’s Club.
He was a creative soul; a curious scholar; and an outdoor enthusiast. He had a profound relationship with God. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family, especially if he could slip in some good-natured teasing while with them.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Stafford; mother, Lorrayne Stafford; daughters, Sabra Stafford and Sue Bowman; son, Terry Nichols; sister, Susan Stafford; grandchildren, Aaron Bowman (Mae), Brieanna Sims (Cody) and Dylan Bowman; niece, Veronica Overturf (Randy); nephew, Scott Stafford (Tammy); great-granddaughters, Tori, Hannah and Lexi; and numerous great-nieces, nephews and cousins, and two aunts. He was preceded in death by his father, Keary Edward Stafford.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 22 at Modesto Covenant Church at Pearson’s Hall, 913 Floyd Ave.
