Jim Iskenderian

It is with great sadness that the family of Jim “Jimmy” L. Iskenderian, Husband, Dad, Brother, Grandfather, and best friend to many, died on January 31, 2015 in Visalia, CA at the age of 67. Jimmy struggled with Multiple Myeloma in the past year and just wasn’t able to win the fight. Jimmy was born on April 9, 1947 in Visalia, CA, to father Aram Iskenderian and mother Sylvia Torosian Iskenderian, who both predeceased him in death. He grew up with his brother John, along with many cousins. Jim graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 1965 and attended C.O.S. In 1966 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. and served in Okinawa during the Vietnam War era. After returning to Visalia in 1968 he began dating Carol Wright. Carol & Jim were married Nov. 29, 1969 and stayed in Visalia to start their life together, soon after raising a family. Jim was always doing something that was funny. Whether it was embarrassing his family members, doing cartwheels, wrestling with the grandkids or telling stories with his friends down at the coffee shop, he always made life interesting. He was a hard worker, recently retiring from Southern Wine & Spirits as a Wholesale Liquor Salesman for 41 years. He was big on follow-through. If he borrowed something he made sure it was returned right after he used it. He was the best handy man for his family and friends and he could fix/build anything. He was a “tell it like it is” type of guy. He may have appeared macho at times, but he was just a big softy. For those who knew him best they would describe him as the “best” type of guy with such a big heart and he was always willing to help anyone who asked him. He loved his family very much, as well as his friends. Some of his favorite hobbies were restoring Honda mini-trail motorcycles, trap shooting, hunting, and spending time in Shaver Lake at the family cabin. Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol and their two children, Ryan Iskenderian of Visalia and Alison Iskenderian of Aptos, CA, daughter-in-law, Julie Iskenderian of Visalia, and two wonderful grandchildren; Whitney Iskenderian and Ian Iskenderian, also of Visalia, as well as brother, John Iskenderian of Natchitoches, LA; wife Rosemary and three nieces, Amy Okie of Sugarland, TX, Sally Iskenderian of Natchitoches, LA and Stacy Iskenderian of Natchitoches, LA. He also has many cousins within the Iskenderian Family and Torosian Family of Visalia, Three Rivers, Turlock, Fresno, and Southern CA.

Jim Iskenderian

April 9, 1947 - January 31, 2015