Obituary James Eliot Blanchard December 3, 2014

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 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, Jarvis and Smith then merging with Lindo, Hanna and Abbott. He finished his career with Buttes Insurance Agency.  He is a Past Director for Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association of California and past president of the local chapter.  Jim is a Past Master of Chico-Leland Stanford #111 Free & Accepted Masons of California; member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; and a member of Ben Ali Shriners of Sacramento.  He is 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 have travel extensively since that time in a 5th wheel trailer.  Jim was an avid snow skier, water skier, accomplished trail rider, and 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.