Jim was born to Jesse James and Emma Ruth Denny in Avoca, Arkansas, and moved to Arbuckle as a young boy, graduating from Pierce High School in 1954 and joining the U.S. Air Force. After basic training in Illinois, he was stationed at Hamilton AFB, CA. where he served honorably for the next four years. Jim married Wanda Dodson and they had 3 children, Norm (Cindy) Denny, Terry (Frank) Duarte, and Jeff (Vicki) Denny. After living in Petaluma for 11 years, in 1969 they moved their family to Auburn, CA where they owned Denny’s Honda. Jim’s passion for motorcycles began early and never ended. He was a member of the Dirt Diggers and Auburn Motorcycle Clubs. He raced motocross and short track for sport and loved road riding for pleasure. He promoted Speedway Races at Cal Expo and in 1982 started Import Dealer Service, which is still in business today servicing motorcycle dealers across Northern California. In 1985 he married Esther “Anna” Cosgrove and gained 2 daughters, Cheryl (Gary) Fechner and Pennie (Aaron) Broyles. Jim spent many years in the building industry while always involved with the motorcycles. He built countless homes in Placer County and in the town of College City where the family teasingly called him the “Mayor of College City”.
Jim and Anna traveled across the US in a motorhome and took many small trips to the coast camping. They cruised the Caribbean and visited Hong Kong. An Avid 49er fan, Sunday football was this favorite. Jim loved all things Arbuckle and College City and all the friends he had, never missing a reunion or a car show. He loved people and was very generous with his family and friends, living life to the fullest and having eighty-eight years full of countless blessings.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Doris, Gary, and Bob. In addition to Anna and his children, he is survived by 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, sister Dorothy, brother Roger, and many nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Arbuckle Fire Department or the charity of your choice.
Please join the family for a celebration of Jim’s life at the College City Cemetary at 11 am, June 3, 2023, with lunch to follow at LaVanche Hursh Park in Downtown Arbuckle. ■
PUBLISHED 05/25/2023 • COLUSA COUNTY PIONEER REVIEW #2023-0342