Obituary of Jim Pool

WALTER POOL, SR. On November 27, 2012, in Chico, we said good-bye to Walter (Jim) Pool, Sr., a loving and honorable husband, father, and family Matriarch, after a long and difficult struggle with health issues resulting from a stroke in 2007. We know he is with his Heavenly Father, free of pain, and preparing for when we will be reunited in heaven. Jim was born March 20, 1933 in Saticoy, CA to Guy and Mary Pool (both deceased). He had a sister, Normagene and a brother, Ralph (both deceased). Jim was raised in Willows, CA, graduating from Willows High School in 1951. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Jim attended Calif. State University, Chico, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and was a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. While attending college, Jim began farming rice and raising sheep at the Armstrong Ranch (now Book's Family Farm), south of Chico. In 1963, Jim married Nan Mathews. They had three children. Terri Sue (Ronn) Van Dusen, Jim, Jr. and Traci. Grandchildren are Ryonn, Jenni and Joey Van Dusen, Ali and Erica Pool, Grant Needles and Henri Kartheiser, all living in Chico. Jim and Nan owned the Texaco Service Station (now Wendy's) at North Valley Plaza Mall in 1968. In 1970, they bought North State Prehung Doors on the Esplanade, which they operated for 35 years. Jim was a lifetime member of Chico Elk's, was a member of Butte Creek Country Club, VFW, Chico Chamber of Commerce, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, and Sirs Bidwell Branch 110. He was very mechanically inclined stemming from working in his dad's Texaco Station in Willows at the age of 11. He was intellectually blessed with numerous scholarships and awards from his accomplishments in school. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Chapel, with a full Honor Military burial at Glen Oaks Cemetery immediately following the Service. Reception is to follow at Chico Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors or to a charity of your choice. Our special thanks to Enloe Hospital 2nd Floor and ER Staff for your continuing special care. Jim was extremely devoted to his family and friends. He loved golf, hunting, fishing, flying and traveling. He loved people and enjoyed being the life of the party. During his last years with all of his health struggles, he continued to inspire everyone with his wit and humor--he knew how difficult it was for us to see him suffer. We love you, "Papa", till we meet in heaven.