James Godsey

James Thomas Godsey was born on March 12, 1925 in Visalia, CA to Taldie Thomas & Alsie Godsey. He passed away on April 17, 2011 in Visalia at the age of 86 years. Jim was raised and educated in Visalia. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served his country for 11 years. When returning to Visalia, he went to work for Tulare County in the Public Works Department as a draftsman retiring after 32 years. He was an Assistant Chaplain at Kaweah Delta Hospital for many years and ushered at First Baptist Church . He, also, was a member of the Visalia Ministerial Fellowship for Men. Jim volunteered for the Visalia Police Department and the National Parks. You could always find him in his shop tinkering with something. If it didn’t work, he would fix it or make a device to solve the problem. He loved the outdoors and was a natural with animals. He enjoyed camping, hiking and fishing. He especially loved the mountains and Morro Bay. His hobbies included trains, of which he had his own “Train Room” and a collection of wolf statues and artifacts, even sponsoring wolves thru a preservation society.

Survivors include his wife, Shirel Godsey, Visalia; son, Ted Godsey,West Virginia; daughters, Darlene Godsey and Joyce Nugent Little, both of Visalia; step-sons, Russell Son, Kirk Son, Todd Son, and Brandon Son all of Visalia; grandchildren: Courtney Nugent, Troy Son, Ryan Son, Jordan Son, Heavyn Son, and Keaton Son. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Heather Nugent.

Services will be private.