James M. Kaufman

James Martin Kaufman passed away at home, on Thursday, October 31, 2013, with his wife at his bedside. He was born in Fresno at the Burnett Sanatorium on July 17, 1942, to Martin and Faye Allison Kaufman. He attended Easterby Elementary School, Sierra Junior High School, and Roosevelt High School, where he graduated in 1960. He proudly joined the United States Coast Guard Reserve after graduating and worked part time at Jones Ambulance while attending Fresno City College.

He enjoyed sports and loved coaching little league baseball at elementary schools. His intention while going to Fresno City College was to become a teacher and coach, like his father. But God had other plans for Jim.

While working at Jones Ambulance, he met his wife Joyce, who worked at Fresno Community Medical Center. After dating for about one year, they were married in Carmel. They had only one child, Stan, and there couldn't have been a prouder father.

After proudly serving 16 years in the coast guard, Jim decided then to start his own ambulance business, and in 1975, became one of four founders of American Ambulance. As time passed, two partners remained. Jim became President of this newly formed company and his longtime friend and partner, Larry Ward, was Vice President. This new company, which became his extended family, gave him determination to succeed. Along the way, he was very appreciative of those who helped him. After 38 years, and approximately 600 employees later, he remained so grateful to everyone. In 2000, American Ambulance expanded to serve Kings County. Now their 70 Kings County employees continue the excellent service and tradition of helping and serving the community. He tried very hard to help others in the company who needed financial or moral support. He extended this help to his personal friends because he knew he would not have succeeded without the help he received when he needed it the most.

Jim enjoyed playing tennis, golf and loved dove hunting. As a child, his father taught him the rules and unwritten rules of hunting. Jim later passed this along to his son Stan. His passion for trying new restaurants and going to lunch with his friends brought him great joy. His greatest love was helping others. In honor of his father, who taught and coached at Central High School, Jim frequently contributed to Fresno, Clovis, and Central Unified Schools. His father, Martin, was his greatest role model.

In March of 2005, Jim suffered a thoracic aortic aneurysm, which left him a paraplegic. This did not stop him from starting a new business in farming. With the help of good friend, Tony Yasuda, KY Farming was born. Growing cherries and blueberries became his new challenge, along with a packing house now called KY Packing. With these businesses, a new family was started to his great happiness.

Away from his family and business, the Dallas Cowboys brought him both happiness and dismay. Either way, he was a hardcore rooter.

Jim had many business associates through the years who he deeply appreciated. He realized collaboration was the key to success and he worked closely with people from Fresno County government and administration, Health Department officials, local hospitals, and many more. Jim relied on professional advisers from Caswell Bell & Hillison and Moore Grider & Company who, over the years, became some of his most trusted and appreciated friends. He was a humble man and recognized that he owed his success as much for the effort of others as his own work. He always tried to pay forward to others in whatever way he could, whether it was through financial support, guidance or simply heartfelt encouragement.

He is survived by Joyce, his wife of 43 years; son Stan; daughter-in-law Stephanie; four grandchildren, Abel, Lilly, Evan and Faith; and numerous cousins.

The Kaufman Family thanks Dr. Ali Fayed; and Avance Home Health Care; and especially, Gabby Cabral, for her excellent care. We are so thankful for Saint Agnes Emergency Department doctors and nurses, as well as, floor nurses and specialists who were tremendous in their care.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, on Thursday, November 7, 2013, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.

A private Graveside Service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Friday, November 8, 2013. A Memorial Service will be held at the Golden Palace, 2625 West Vassar, Fresno (Clinton & 99 area), from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Remembrances may be sent to Roosevelt High School Booster Club, 4259 East Tulare Street, Fresno, Ca. 93702; or to Valley Animal Center, PO Box 706, Fresno, Ca. 93712-0706; or to SPCA, 103 South Hughes, Fresno, Ca. 93706-1299.