Official Obituary of
James S. Studebaker
September 24, 1943 ~ June 26, 2020 (age 76) 76 Years Old
James Studebaker Obituary
Steven James “Jim” Studebaker, age 76, passed away on June 26, 2020 at home with his family. He leaves us having led a very full life and having touched the lives of many others.
Jim was born September 24, 1943 in Fortuna, CA before moving to Fresno and later Hanford. Jim, the eldest of four, began working to provide for his family at the age of 12. He valued hard work and his education, which was made apparent while he worked full time to achieve his degree in 5 years. He began his post-secondary education at Fresno City College, earning an Associates Degree, and then finished his college education at Fresno State where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts. During this chapter of his life, Jim met and married Carolyn Jackson - his wife of 52 years, and together they had two children, Jimmy and Rachael.
Jim valued education so much that he went on to teach metal shop at Hanford High School for 13 years. After receiving his vocational education credential, he continued his teaching career at Reedley College where he taught for a remaining 24 years. His students meant the world to him, and this became evident as he challenged himself to make his lessons worthwhile and came home each night with a story to tell.
However, his dedication to serve those around him didn’t stop there. Throughout his lifetime, Jim, volunteered for the Kings County Search-Recovery Diving Unit, was a California Teachers Association member, union negotiator for Reedley College, and the designated handyman among his family and friends.
One of Jim’s biggest accomplishments, and a joy of his life, was building his own family cabin in Stanley, Idaho. From peeling the bark off of logs to installing plumbing and electrical throughout the house, he did it all with the help of his family and friends. His cabin became a place of refuge, home to many memories, and a story for future generations.
Jim will be remembered for the legacy he left behind and the lives he touched with his wise words and wittiness. His students, friends and family are among the many that will miss him dearly and were not ready for his time to be up.
Jim’s legacy lives on with his wife- Carolyn Jackson Studebaker, sister - Marietta Langston, son and daughter-in-law- James “Jimmy” & Cynamon Studebaker, daughter and son-in-law- Rachael & Mike Pepe, grandchildren- Adam Studebaker, Austin & Jasmine Studebaker, Tyler & Samantha Pepe, Victoria Studebaker & Michael Jones, Lauren Pepe, William Pepe & Kalyn Simas, 6 (and counting) great grandchildren, and nieces - LeAnn Langston, Candace James, Stephanie Veteto, and Amber Cervantez.
A viewing will take place on Thursday, July 2 from 5-7pm at Whitehurst McNamara chapel, all are welcome. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. As a tribute to his passion for teaching, a memorial scholarship fund will be set up in Jim’s name for high school seniors continuing their education in industrial arts and technology.
Visitation
Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Service
Thursday, July 02, 2020
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
100 Bush St
Hanford, California 93230
Jim was born September 24, 1943 in Fortuna, CA before moving to Fresno and later Hanford. Jim, the eldest of four, began working to provide for his family at the age of 12. He valued hard work and his education, which was made apparent while he worked full time to achieve his degree in 5 years. He began his post-secondary education at Fresno City College, earning an Associates Degree, and then finished his college education at Fresno State where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts. During this chapter of his life, Jim met and married Carolyn Jackson - his wife of 52 years, and together they had two children, Jimmy and Rachael.
Jim valued education so much that he went on to teach metal shop at Hanford High School for 13 years. After receiving his vocational education credential, he continued his teaching career at Reedley College where he taught for a remaining 24 years. His students meant the world to him, and this became evident as he challenged himself to make his lessons worthwhile and came home each night with a story to tell.
However, his dedication to serve those around him didn’t stop there. Throughout his lifetime, Jim, volunteered for the Kings County Search-Recovery Diving Unit, was a California Teachers Association member, union negotiator for Reedley College, and the designated handyman among his family and friends.
One of Jim’s biggest accomplishments, and a joy of his life, was building his own family cabin in Stanley, Idaho. From peeling the bark off of logs to installing plumbing and electrical throughout the house, he did it all with the help of his family and friends. His cabin became a place of refuge, home to many memories, and a story for future generations.
Jim will be remembered for the legacy he left behind and the lives he touched with his wise words and wittiness. His students, friends and family are among the many that will miss him dearly and were not ready for his time to be up.
Jim’s legacy lives on with his wife- Carolyn Jackson Studebaker, sister - Marietta Langston, son and daughter-in-law- James “Jimmy” & Cynamon Studebaker, daughter and son-in-law- Rachael & Mike Pepe, grandchildren- Adam Studebaker, Austin & Jasmine Studebaker, Tyler & Samantha Pepe, Victoria Studebaker & Michael Jones, Lauren Pepe, William Pepe & Kalyn Simas, 6 (and counting) great grandchildren, and nieces - LeAnn Langston, Candace James, Stephanie Veteto, and Amber Cervantez.
A viewing will take place on Thursday, July 2 from 5-7pm at Whitehurst McNamara chapel, all are welcome. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. As a tribute to his passion for teaching, a memorial scholarship fund will be set up in Jim’s name for high school seniors continuing their education in industrial arts and technology.
Visitation
Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Service
Thursday, July 02, 2020
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
100 Bush St
Hanford, California 93230
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James S. Studebaker, please visit our floral store.
Services
You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of James S. Studebaker
© 2026 Whitehurst McNamara Funeral Service. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility