Jim Mann passed away suddenly on Thursday 7/17/14 at San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield due to a brain aneurysm. Jim was born in Van Buren, Arkansas, the only surviving son of Jesse & Oleta Mann. The family moved to Lynwood in 1940 and he attended Compton High School. He met, and fell in love with Carol Jean Paxton of Huntington Park and enlisted in the army in February of 1951. Just a few months later, in July, Jim and Carol married before he shipped out for Korea, where he served as a Military Police Officer. After returning from Korea, Jim became one of the founding members of the Downey Police Department when the city incorporated in 1957. Jim retired in 1985 and enjoyed an active retirement playing golf at Rio Hondo Country Club, playing bridge at the Rio Hondo Bridge Club, attending Angels baseball games, and traveling with his wife. After his wife and mother died in 1999, Jim made the decision to move to Wofford Heights, CA, by the shore of Lake Isabella. He continued to enjoy his favorite pursuits: volunteering with the Kern Co. Sheriff's Dept., golfing, fishing, gambling, bridge, gardening, travel, storytelling with his buddies at the Big Blue Bear Coffee house, and visiting with his children and their families...not necessarily in that order. Jim is survived by his companion Bea McCrory; his two sons, Jay & John Mann; his daughter Jodi Mann Hess; his three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jim was a loyal friend, supporter and caregiver. He was a protector who faithfully served his country, community, and family. He was kind, compassionate, funny...and most of all Jim was loved by those who knew him. He will be missed very much.  Memorial Services were held at Miller Mies in Downey on 7/22/14 and in Lake Isabella on 8/2/14.  

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Published: Aug. 14, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 18