James Michael Mattos

James was born in Fresno, CA on October 5, 1953 to Manuel and Hilda Mattos and was the youngest of 5 children. Jim spent his whole life within 1 mile of his childhood home, whether he was working or residing in the Easton area. He had a great love for his community and his farming operations. He spent his youth working on his family farm and dairy and he enjoyed the many summer vacations his family took to Pismo Beach.

At the age of 19 his parents sold their dairy cows and moved to town. Jim remained on the family farm to begin his own farming operation. He began with alfalfa, corn and cotton. In the late 1980’s Jim began his newest farming adventure and planted his first almond orchard on Clayton and Brawley Avenues. His passion for almonds grew and he soon sold his cotton equipment and became a full-time almond farmer.

Jim and Leslie met in June 1992 and married in May 1997. They had a wonderful 26 years of marriage and celebrated their 25th anniversary on a cruise to Alaska with amazing friends. Alaska was a bucket list item for Jim as he was addicted to all the Alaska shows and taped them all. He seriously thought he could live off the grid, Leslie had her serious doubts.

After much trial and heartache, Jim and Leslie had their prayers answered and welcomed their daughter, McKenna, in January 2001 and their son, Jared, in March 2002. Family was everything to him and he couldn’t wait to be their dad. He adored them both. He was very proud of them both for their career choices and couldn’t wait for the next chapter in their lives.

As farmer for 51 years working was his life, but his priority was his family. Jim also had a soft spot for furry friends, treating each and everyone one like the valued family members they were. His animals will miss him terribly, but his precious cat “Baby” is going to miss him the most.

Jim was a lover of talking and was always interested in learning about people and their lives. He was also quite the jokester, always thinking ahead before he’d make a call to come up with something funny to say or do. He loved learning new things and if he didn’t get the right information or understand completely he’d keep doing research until he was satisfied. He loved sports of all kinds, but his beloved NY Yankees and his favorite player, Mickey Mantle, took 1st to all. The last three weekends brought the family to tears trying to get his football up and loaded in YouTube. He just couldn’t understand why they couldn’t leave a good system alone. Jim was also a lover of classical rock and Leslie tried her best to bring the volume down a bit and bought him air pods, which failed miserably, as now he had amazing sound coming through his ears, so took to singing at the top of his lungs.

If Jim could write his own obituary, he’d most likely say, “My family and a few others know I did my best for them – not for myself. I hope they were inspired and that it’ll be part of my legacy.” He did not want a large funeral and his wishes amounted to this…..“Put my ashes in a coffee can and haul them to the dairy pond or orchard and toss them into the wind – downwind, of course.” “The bible says “dust to dust”, so I figure I’ve got a little extra fertilizer value. This need not be reported on the farm’s nutrient management plan”.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, father and Father-in-Law, Rodney Goodwin. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; daughter, McKenna (age 22) and son, Jared (Age 21). Remaining family includes: Sisters – Carol Olsen (Rodney Olsen), Mary Martin (Cindy Banks), Maureen Margarian (Henry Margarian) Brother - Manuel “Sonny” Mattos (Celeste Mattos), Mother-in-Law, Donna Goodwin, Sister-in-Law Kimberlee Niederfrank (Gene Harper) Nieces and Nephews: Kayla Irigoyen & Tanner Irigoyen, Kyle Niederfrank, Brenden & Cynthia Olsen, David & Jodi Martin, Brian Mattos, Denise & Jason Roberts, Amy & Hal Lore, Rodney and Marriette Olsen, Jeffrey & Randi Margarian and Matt & Astrid Margarian. 18 great nieces and nephews.

So when you’re traveling along enjoying the fields and orchards, look for the farmer.

You see… a farmer just intuitively understands and almost unconsciously demonstrates a lot of things that many of the rest of us take a lifetime to learn.

A farmer understands that “he’s got to make hay while the sun shines” … there’s no such thing as a successful lazy farmer. Farmers understand that there’s a part of the work that is theirs and theirs alone to do; and if they don’t do that part, there will be no harvest … You can’t just sit around and expect the field to get plowed or the seed planted or the animals fed or the crops brought in.

A farmer understands that “he’s totally dependent upon forces that are outside his control” … If the sun doesn’t shine enough or the rain doesn’t come at just the right moment, all his work will go for naught. Because of that understanding, he remains both humble and hopeful.

A farmer understands (no matter how carefully he studies it) that there is an incredible mystery behind this process in which he has involved himself. And that knowledge nurtures in him a spirit of awe and wonder.

A farmer understands that there is a time to work and then there is a time to wait … a harvest cannot be rushed and so patience becomes a part of his nature.

A farmer understands just how blessed he is when all goes well and the harvest is abundant. At those times, feelings of genuine gratitude well up within him.

So is it any wonder I say that God has a special place in his heart (and Kingdom) for farmers?

Jimmy Mattos—-was one of those special people—-he carried the title “farmer” well. From the classroom of his farm, he passed on to his children and lessons in life. His harvest goes on and on.

Rest peacefully Dad. We love and miss you!!

Services are as follows:

A recitation of the holy rosary for James will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 6:30 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California 93720. A mass of christian burial will occur Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, California 93730. A committal service will occur Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, California 93706

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Mattos family.