James Rodney Corbett passed away at age 88 on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Graceful Living in Oakdale, CA. He was loved by his wife Barbara Corbett, his children Kelly Gerber and Jeff Corbett, and seven grandchildren: Eric, Jacob, Michael, and Matt Corbett, Nathaniel, Maci, and Sam Gerber.
James, the youngest of nine siblings, was born in Potter Valley, CA on July 27, 1930. He spent the majority of his life in Oakdale after his family moved here when he was three-years-old. He graduated from Oakdale H.S. in 1948 and attended Modesto Junior College, before receiving a tennis scholarship to Cal Poly (S.L.O.) studying animal husbandry and agriculture. Prior to graduating, he was called to serve as a Communications Specialist in Vienna (Austria) for 18 months during the Korean War.
Upon returning to Oakdale, James began working as a seasonal employee of Hunt’s cannery where 32 years later he became the Plant Manager. After retiring from Hunt-Wesson, he devoted his time to raising and selling affordable “project pigs” to 4-H and FFA youth. He will be remembered for his love of family, animals, and his beautiful singing.
A private celebration of life will be held later this June. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Merced/Golden Valley FFA at 2121 E Childs Ave., Merced 95341.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
James, the youngest of nine siblings, was born in Potter Valley, CA on July 27, 1930. He spent the majority of his life in Oakdale after his family moved here when he was three-years-old. He graduated from Oakdale H.S. in 1948 and attended Modesto Junior College, before receiving a tennis scholarship to Cal Poly (S.L.O.) studying animal husbandry and agriculture. Prior to graduating, he was called to serve as a Communications Specialist in Vienna (Austria) for 18 months during the Korean War.
Upon returning to Oakdale, James began working as a seasonal employee of Hunt’s cannery where 32 years later he became the Plant Manager. After retiring from Hunt-Wesson, he devoted his time to raising and selling affordable “project pigs” to 4-H and FFA youth. He will be remembered for his love of family, animals, and his beautiful singing.
A private celebration of life will be held later this June. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Merced/Golden Valley FFA at 2121 E Childs Ave., Merced 95341.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
June 5, 2019