James Chavez

James Chavez of Hanford, California passed away in a tragic plane accident in Springville, California on February 10, 2016. He had been a resident of Hanford for the past 18 years. James was born on December 18, 1970 to Patricia Chavez and Jacinto Chavez in Stockton, California where he was raised with his brother; Charles (Carlos).

He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1988. Upon graduation he voluntarily attended Pacific Crest Outward Bound School. He went onto Fresno State University and graduated with a BA in Geography in 1995. He played the violin since age 8 & played as an adult in the Kings Symphony for a few seasons. In 1999 he met the love of his life, Melissa Scheiner of Hanford, CA. They were married in July 2000 and they were blessed with a daughter Jayleen Isabella in 2006 (10) and a son Josiah James in 2009 (6). They were members of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in Hanford and very active serving in many leadership positions.

As a couple they enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Tahoe, Bear Valley Resort, and many CA coastal towns.

As a family they enjoyed cross country skiing and playing in the snow, camping, the beach, Disneyland, Sea World, Lego Land, hiking, backyard weenie and marshmallow roasts, and their pet bunny and 2 fish.

As a man of vast talents and experience he loved flying any aircraft with a passion, especially the Black Hawk for the US Army. He loved helping other people. He never met a stranger and had a love for mankind no matter what color shape or age. He had a talent of striking up a conversation with anyone and was able to carry on a very intelligent conversation on an endless number of topics. People sensed his attentiveness, genuine interest, immediate friendship and humility. There aren’t enough words to describe all the things he could do and has done or how people felt about him.

James became a Navy Officer in 1993 & served one overseas deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in 1998 in which he served as a Maintenance Officer. In 2005 he transferred to the Army National Guard and his highest success & achievement was being able to go to flight school to learn to fly the Blackhawk at Fort Rucker, AL in May of ’06. While on James’ yearlong deployment to Iraq (’10-’11) he served as Company Commander, for Company B, in the 640th Aviation Support Battalion and flew many Blackhawk missions. While in Iraq James earned his Bronze Star Medal & Combat Action Badge. James had a total of over 900 hours flying the Blackhawk & received his 20 year letter from the military in 2013 but continued to serve actively with the US Army Reserves. James’ current rank at time of death was Major but he had completed Phase I (& was enrolled in Phase II) courses to apply for the next rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After being a volunteer pilot for the Tulare Sheriff Aero Squadron for 13 years and then a volunteer Sheriff’s pilot for several months, James was hired & sworn in as the Sheriff One pilot on Jan. 12, 2015. He was very excited to get this job & loved it with a passion.

He was serving his Reserve weekends at the 1st Brigade Pacific Division 75th Training Command in Garden Grove, CA.

He received several medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons awarded or authorized: Basic Aviation Badge, Bronze Star Medal; USN Achievement Medal; USN Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd Award); National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Service Star; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon; Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ M Device; Combat Badge; Basic Aviator Badge. He served in a designated imminent danger pay area; Service in Iraq 20110131 to 20111106; Ordered to active duty in support of operation New Dawn IAW 10 USC 12302 from 20101111 to 20111231; Completed first full term of service; additional skill identifier (B2) UH-60 Pilot; Post deployment mobilization respite absence; (PDMRA) from 20111123 to 20111126; Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) 2 days.

James received his private pilot license in the early 1990’s. In 2000 he obtained his Commercial pilot license for single & multiengine instrument airplanes. In 2012 he completed coursework to become a Flight Instructor and he administered many flight reviews to private pilots seeking to renew their pilot & instrument ratings.

He was serving his Reserve weekends at the 1st Brigade Pacific Division 75th Training Command in Garden Grove, CA.

James was preceded in death by his grandparents; Marie & James Connor, Maria Alvarado and Felipe Chavez.

He is survived by his beloved parents; Patricia Chavez and Jacinto Chavez of Stockton, CA, his loving wife; Missy Chavez with their two children; Jayleen & Josiah Chavez all of Hanford, CA and his siblings; Felipe & Victor Chavez both of Stockton, CA and Carlos & wife Rebecca Allen Chavez of Seattle, WA along with their children; Marcus Allen (21), Jacob Chavez (14) and Erin Chavez (11).

He leaves all of us with many fond memories. He will be forever missed by everyone who knew him.

Missy and the children would like to thank so many people who have blessed her in so many ways and deeds during this terrible time, especially Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, Tulare County Sheriff’s Dept., US Army, People’s Funeral Chapel and the many friends & family who have offered themselves to help in real tangible ways during this difficult time.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church; 750 E. Grangeville Boulevard, Hanford, CA 93230 with a Burial immediately following at Grangeville Cemetery; 10428 14th Avenue, Armona, CA 93202.

Family and Friends are invited to view James’ legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family.

Services are under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel.

PEOPLE’S FUNERAL CHAPEL

501 N. Douty Street

Hanford, CA 93230

559-584-5591

www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com