I have dedicated this page to those who are no longer with us in the physical sense. There will not be a chronological order in presentation. I will post when their respective photos come about. I had begun to wonder if I would ever find a use for the thousands of photos that I have saved over the years, and especially with the advent of digital photography.

Degar





James Wilburn "Barber Jim" Parris

Services: Mon., Mar. 1, 10 a.m.

Chapel services will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Chapel, 3700 River Blvd., for James Wilburn Jimmy Parris who was born on March 30, 1942, in Bakersfield and passed away February 26, 2004.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he graduated from St. Cloud University in St. Cloud, MN. Jim also had a career as a barber and was known around the states as Barber Jim. Jimmy had a vast amount of life experiences, some he was more proud of than others. However he would never deny any of them, and he was adamant that the sum of those experiences made him the man he became. During the last 10 years, Jimmys family grew, as he became a devoted and beloved husband, stepdad, uncle and grand-father. He was devoted to everyone in his new family, and like his mother, he did all he could to help anyone in need.

Since returning to Bakersfield in June 1997, Jimmy had worked in the field of mental health, most recently directly employed by Kern County. Jimmy gave his all for his clients and received recognition for his efforts from Mental Health workers around the state. Jimmy had a third and equally important facet in his life. He was devoted to Narcotics Anonymous. Since his own birthday on October 30, 1989, he spent thousands of hours sharing his story and helping others to use the program. He never gave up on anyone. He was a highly regarded speaker, and was honored to have been asked to speak at an NA National Convention this coming April. Jimmy was famous for saying, whatever you do, just dont use.

His mother, Imogene and his nephew, Jon preceded Jimmy in death. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Cheryl; his beloved stepsons, Tony and Jason (Jodie) and his grand-children, Tyler, Kyle and Micah; his father, Boyd; brother, Rick (Val) and his sister, Darlene Beals (Terry); his uncle, Dick Parris (Barbara); father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alan and Betty McGee; sister-in-law, Sandy and his adopted daughters, Betty and Kelly, and adopted granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Emma and Alexis; sister-in-law, Rene (Darren) and family; and brother-in-law, Bill McGee (Barbara). In addition, there are numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and wonderful friends who remain behind and in awe of what Jimmy accomplished in these last 14 years.

Jimmy has enriched the lives of people not just in Bakersfield, but also all across this country. No one who knew him will ever forget him. We are all better for having known him.

The family would like to thank the nursing and support staff of Memorial Hospital for their kindness and efforts.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate you making a donation in his memory at a 12-step meeting you attend. Donations to the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter in Jimmys memory would also be appreciated.

Greenlawn Mortuary Funeral Directors



Barber Jim, as he would later be called was always, just Jimmy to me. We really ran around mostly in the mid 60’s to mid 70’ during those days of “peace and love.” The first time Jimmy and I hooked back up after my draft fiasco was in April or May of ’66. Jimmy was selling used cars at Boyd, Dick and Imogene’s used car lot on Chester Avenue at the traffic circle in Bakersfield. I hadn’t seen him in a few years, so we had a lot to talk about, plus the fact the he could run a tab at the Players cocktail lounge down on Brundage Lane. During the course of our conversation he tells me of an older woman named, Avalon whom he had met at the Lemoore Naval Air Station in the central valley. When I say older woman, I mean, early forties. Jimmy was a barber and cut hair on the base and met Avalon at the officer's club, you see, Avy, was married to a Captain in the United States Navy and was, in part, responsible for their ultimate divorce! Excerpt taken from Chapter 14: My Other Shirt-tail Counsin: "Barber Jim." R.I.P., brother.

Degar

Patricia Louise (Johnson) Jolley September 12, 1933-September 21, 2011 Pat died peacefully in her sleep at home in the care and company of her eldest daughter, Karen, on Wednesday, September 21, 2011. Pat was born in Glendale, California but spent the early years of her life in the deserts of Eastern San Bernardino County having adventures, such as adopting a coyote pup, with her older brother Harold. After living in many locations, Pat settled with her mother Victoria, father Paul, and brother Harold in Sonoma, California. In high school, Pat was active in student government, performed in musical and theatrical productions, and graduated with honors, winning a prestigious scholarship for college. Pat attended Lone Mountain Women's College in San Francisco, where she worked as the administrative assistant for the Mother Superior. After graduating with honors in 1954, she took herself on a hard-earned tour of Europe as a capstone to her education. She then began her 35-year career as a devoted teacher. Pat married Ellic Grady Jolley in 1957 and started a family of five children. Pat was a devoted wife and mother. Her children have many fond memories of her remarkable culinary skills. Pat was tireless in her efforts to both care for and provide for her family. She showered her love and energy on not only her five children, but also on her extended family and her students. Pat's highly eclectic interests and tastes were an inspiration to others. Pat also succeeded in fulfilling many lifelong dreams such as travelling to exotic locations and seeing the birth of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Upon her retirement from Virginia Avenue School, she devoted a great deal of her energy to caring for her grandchildren, who blossomed under her care. She remained true to her unique and adventurous spirit throughout her life. She gave generously to charities and had a special place in her heart for animals and nature. Her beautifully diverse garden flourished under her green thumb. Pat was preceded in death by her father Paul Johnson, her mother Victoria Johnson, and her brother Harold Johnson. Her surviving family includes her five children Karen, Matthew, Barbara, Christina, and Delia, and her grandchildren Aaron, David, Deanne, Joseph, John, Austin, and Clara. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren and her beloved cat. A celebration of Pat's life was held at her favorite restaurant, Narducci's Cafe, located at 622 East 21st Street, Bakersfield, at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2011. Memorial may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer's Association . www.bakersfield.com/obits



Patricia and I met at the Caravan Inn on Union Avenue one evening in April of 1979 and dated/lived together for most of that year. I don't think I ever met a sweeter, or nicer individual than Patricia and she cooked with the expertise of a Cordon Bleu standard! That particular summer I gained 25-pounds when a work-related-injury had me off the job-site for two-months!

Albeit the relationship soured, our friendship did not, as we remained friends up to her passing. I was saddened when I received the news of her death; after-the-fact, and I missed her services. If not for her daughter, Karen, I wouldn't have known at all. R.I.P., Patricia.

Degar



Dave and I met quite by accident, so to speak, as we both had girlfriends who lived on the same block. I was in my senior year in high-school and I was dating a young lady by the name of Maddy, who had the neighbor, Rita. Dave and I immediately found a common-denominator in drag racing (the ladies took a back-seat when the drags we involved) and two-weeks after our meeting we were on our way to the 1962: "United State Fuel & Gas Championships near Bakersfield," more specifically; McFarland, if you want to get technical. I write about this event in Chapter 17: LADS and we remained friends throughout our lives with the exception of a few gaps in between. I never met a single-person who had a bad thing to say about Dave. He truly deserved the title: a gentleman. R.I.P., Dave!

Degar



Russell “C” Maxfield

9/17/1948-1/13/2011

Russell “C” Maxfield, 62, of Las Vegas, NV, passed away peacefully in his home on 1/13/2011.

He was born September 17, 1948 in Stockton California to the late Rex and Eda Theobald Maxfield. Russ graduated from the historic Brigham Young High School in Provo, UT in 1967 and attended Dixie College in St. George, UT. 

Russ was patient, kind and outgoing and he was well known for his comic relief. He resided in many states, and particularly loved the city of Las Vegas. Russ was an Entrepreneur and a man with many hats. He had diverse interests and held many jobs including: Blackjack and Craps dealer, Casino Floor Manager, Skydive Instructor, Chef, and many others.  He also started and ran his own businesses in home remodeling and computer repair. Throughout the years, he enjoyed motocross racing, home and auto restoration, sailing and has always loved to travel.  He was a self educated computer genius, and a highly skilled golfer. 

Russ is survived by significant other, Nancy Kugler, of Las Vegas; Stepfather, E. Blair Maxfield, of Cedar City, UT; Siblings, Anita Rae Mortenson and LaDaun Mitchell;  Children, Georgeanna, Korie and Kristopher Maxfield.  He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Aspen, Chaz, Ryan, Tyler and Grayson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 22^nd at Los Prados LDS Church, 5160 Lone Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89130.  Viewing will be held at 10:00 am and service at 11:00am. Graveside service will follow immediately at Palm Cemetery, 6701 N. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89131.  Flowers may be sent to the church at address listed above.  Also, visit Russ’s memorial website at www.mem.com and search for Russell Maxfield.

Thank you for your all of your support.

The Maxfield Famiy.