James Walter Doerksen

January 1931 – July 2021

James Walter Doerksen was born on January 3, 1931 in Dos Palos, CA. Jim passed peacefully at his home in Hickman, CA on July 25, 2021 at the age of 90.

Jim grew up in Escondido, CA until his family moved to the Denair, CA area in his teens. He attended and graduated from Hughson High School in 1949 and remained an enthusiastic supporter of the Hughson Huskies.

Jim enlisted in the Air Force after high school and served as a Military Policeman. He was last stationed in Massachusetts where he met, fell in love with and married his first wife Ruthe “Cookie” Garron. Jim loved the entire Garron clan as his own.

After Jim was discharged from the Air Force, Jim and Cookie returned to Modesto, CA where he joined the Modesto Police Dept. in 1955. Jim served as a motorcycle officer, police officer, sergeant and detective until leaving in 1968.

Jim then worked for AAA insurance sales for three years. He then joined his former MPD partner Ron Nelson to form Nelson & Doerksen Investigations. They also owned and operated McCrary Bail Bonds. Jim was later joined by his son, Bruce, to form Doerksen Investigations and Landlords Eviction Service, and continued working these three businesses until his retirement.

Jim and Cookie were later divorced, but they remained lifelong friends until her death in 2019.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Priest Bennett, in 1995.

Retirement to Jim meant on to the next endeavor, an almond ranch, where he co-owned and worked the ranch himself until about five years ago; and then continued with the smaller tasks until about a year ago. Jim worked very hard all his life and was a stranger to no one. He always treated others with respect, regardless of their status in life. He was loved and respected by everyone who ever knew him.

Jimmy was a loving, strong, supportive parent to his children; a loving husband; a wonderful son and brother.

Jim is predeceased by his parents Barney and Violet Doerksen, his first wife Ruthe Garron Doerksen, his second wife Beverly Bennett Doerksen, his brother-in-law Jerry Womack, and his grandson James Robert Crisel.

Jim is survived by his three children, Colleen and Richard Crisel, Bruce and Lisa Doerksen, and Cynthia and Paul Macke; his grandchildren Michelle Manley, Keana Macke, Ryan and Jen Doerksen and their children Addison, Aiden and Emily; Christopher and Melissa Doerksen and their children Everett and Ethan; Jeremy and Keila Crisel and their children Derek, Darem and Jeremy Jr.; Andrew Morris and Melissa Maddox and their child Maggie Mae Morris; Shayne Crisel; Shaun and Brigette Crisel and their child Isabella; Seth Crisel and Skyler Crisel; his two sisters Georgia (Hershel) Qualls and Joann Womack; and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be Friday, July 30 from 4:00-6:00pm at Allen Mortuary. Funeral service will be on Saturday, July 31 at 10:00am also at Allen Mortuary, followed by burial at Denair Cemetery.

A link to view the service live can be found at:

https://www.viewlogies.net/allen/8bJsSqyVZ

Pin: 320-226

Condolences(7)

mitch@sunriselmi.com says
August 26, 2022 at 4:47 am

hi bruce. i wrote via usps to your dad a couple years ago about beverly. i live in the house where she grew up in hughson and met her in 1996 ish. would love to hook up on any stories photos or anything you would know about 8825 east whitmore.
John George says
October 10, 2021 at 5:49 am

Bruce, I am so sad to hear if the passing of you’re dad. I remember you’re dad when I was a kid. My dad Dan George and I used to come to see him from time to time. I think they were 3rd cousins. We lived in Turlock. I also remember John Doerkson
John George
Pat Snoke says
August 2, 2021 at 5:58 am

Dear Bruce,
I am so sorry to read that you dad had passed away. I never met your dad, but I can tell how wonderful he must have been just by knowing you. With much love, Pat Curnow
Snoke
Pat Snoke says
August 2, 2021 at 5:53 am

Dear Bruce,

So sorry to hear that your dad had passed away. I never met your dad, but I can tell how wonderful he must have been just by knowing you.
With much love, Pat Curnow Snoke
Bruce Doerksen says
July 28, 2021 at 1:14 am

My father, my mentor, my hero. I love you Dad. I miss you Dad! Life will be tough without you. I treasure each and every moment that we’ve shared. Your examples have made me the person I am today. I love you Dad and am proud to be your son. ❤️
Patty Garron says
July 27, 2021 at 1:48 am

Dear Bruce ,Colleen , Cynthia..and all family…I am sorry you all are enduring the sadness from this incredible loss.
If I know anything about our family strength I know you will all hold each other up in love and spirit at this time..

I send you all my love and deepest sympathy.
Love
Patty Garron
Paul Macke says
July 27, 2021 at 12:28 am

You were the most ” Human Man” I have ever met. You taught me more about being a “Dad” than I ever had.
I love you, miss you I will, and our lengthy conversations..

James Walter Doerksen January 3, 1931 - July 25, 2021

Condolences(7)

mitch@sunriselmi.com says

John George says

Pat Snoke says

Pat Snoke says

Bruce Doerksen says

Patty Garron says

Paul Macke says

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