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James Mello
April 18, 1922 - April 16, 2014
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Jim was born in Turlock, California on April 18, 1922 and passed away on April 16, 2014 at the age of 91. After graduating from Turlock High School he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served under General George S. Patton during World War II.

He was co-owner of Turlock Trenching Company for 36 years, and was then employed by Swanson Farms / Associated Feed for 16 years. Jim was a founding member of Turlock Rural Fire Department, serving 30 years as a volunteer fireman, became a Captain and then Assistant Chief. He was a lifetime member and past president of the Turlock Horsemen’s Club, and belonged to the American Legion, VFW, All Seasons Trailer Group, and the Turlock Senior Citizens. Jim was an accomplished horseman and won numerous amateur events in roping, penning, and sorting. He played cards regularly with his wife and numerous friends throughout his life.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Marian Mello, and his sister Dorothy Silva. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Barbara (Bobbie) Mello, daughters, Sandra (Steve) Vieira of Denair, and Janice (Bob) Borba, of Turlock. Jim has 4 grandchildren: Jim (Julie) Vieira, Koni Vieira, Rich Borba, Dan (Carissa) Borba, and 9 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Monday, April 21 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Turlock Funeral home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., in Turlock. The funeral service will follow on Tuesday, April 22, at 11:00 a.m., also at Turlock Funeral Home, with interment in Turlock Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a favorite charity.