James Lawrence Pearson

James (Jim) Lawrence Pearson was born in Mendota, California to Burl and Stella Pearson. James was the youngest of seven children. He attended school for a short time in Ceres, California and finished his education by proudly graduating from Dos Palos Union High School, in Dos Palos, California. James worked in the grocery business from a young age and became owner/partner of Dos Palos Food Center with his brother Gene Pearson. For a short time, he also owned and operated The Big Dipper ice cream shop, also located in Dos Palos. James was a loving and devoted father. He was very active in supporting his children when they were young in their sporting interests, even being their coach at times. In 1991, James married Sherry Maltbie Davenport and they shared many interests. They loved to play tennis and golf and he had many golf buddies who also became his close friends. James achieved a hole-in-one, an accomplishment many golf enthusiasts strive to achieve; with his loving wife as the only gallery-person present. Jim and Sherry were also fond of travel, taking cruises, eating wonderful food and supporting the many philanthropic opportunities in their town of Los B...[more]

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s, California. Their favorite spot to visit was Monterey, California, where they had a favorite trail they liked to walk, beside the beautiful ocean. Together they attended many jewelry conferences all over the country as members of the Independent Jewelers Organization. He loved attending these conferences and he became known and loved by many more people, casting his net of generosity and love. James was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows and generously supported the numerous philanthropic opportunities of that organization. Jim never turned down a girl scout or band member selling candy or popcorn; whether or not he needed what they were selling. He took a genuine interest in people young and old and his smile lit up the room. His presence will be missed by so many. James was preceded in death by his parents, Burl and Stella Pearson and his brothers Floyd, Burl, Kenneth and Gerral Pearson. James is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Sherry Maltbie Pearson. Together, they ran Pearson’s Jewelers in Los Banos where they lovingly worked alongside one another every day. He is also survived by his sister Maxine Pearson Reddick of Dos Palos and his brother Gene Pearson of Merced, Ca. Also surviving James are his children; Gina Moore (Danny) of Merced, Kirk Pearson (Cindi) of Nampa, Idaho and Brett Pearson (Kathy) of Merced. He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as Papa. Jim is also survived by extended family; Tammy Davenport-Kent (Steve) of Fresno, Ca. and Erik Davenport (Carla) of Irmo, South Carolina. His extended family also includes six additional grandchildren, who also referred to him as Papa. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 12:00pm at Whitehurst Chapel, Los Banos, Ca. Interment will commence at a later date at Turlock Memorial Park, Turlock, Ca. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to be made to Soroptomist International of the Americas, 1709 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19103, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.