James Blanchard

JAMES ELIOT BLANCHARD Jim passed away at his home on Nov. 14, 2014. He was born July 1, 1941 to Eliot and Elizabeth Blanchard In Oxnard, CA. He was raised In Santa Paula, CA and attended local schools. He was student body president his senior year, graduating In 1959. In 1964 he graduated from USC with a major in International Economics and a minor in Religion. He started his insurance career in downtown L.A. In 1972 he moved his family to Chico and became a well known insurance broker. He was a partner in Blanchard, Bowlby and Vernon; Blanchard, Jarvls and Smith then merging with Lindo, Hanna and Abbott. He finished his career with Buttes Insurance Agency. He Is a Past Director for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association of California and a past president of the local chapter. Jim was a Past Master of Chico-Leland Stanford #111 Free & Accepted Masons of California; member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; and a member of Ben All Shriners of Sacramento. He was also a member of Chico Elks Lodge #423; past president for the Chico Elks RV'ers; member of Comanche Riders Association; member of the Redding Gun Club and Shasta Shooters. Jim was an insurance broker by vocation and a cowboy by avocation. He loved to ride horses and chase after cows whenever possible. Jim and his wife Rhonda were very active in the Chico Elks RV'ers group, They joined in 1988 and traveled extensively in a 5th wheel trailer. Jim was an avid snow skier, water skier, and an accomplished trail rider, he also loved practical shooting. Jim is survived by his wife Rhonda and children Lisa (Harold) Anness and Linda (Randy) Bressler, grand-children Avery and Alyssa Bressler. He is also survived by a brother John (Kai) Blanchard, sister Betsy Blanchard Chess and step sister Angela Neal Grove. Donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Northern California or Butte Home Health and Hospices of Chico thru Bruise Funeral Home. A Masonic memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6th at 11:00 at the Chico Elks Lodge Manzanlta Place. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.brusiefh.com