James White

On March 27, 2025, with family at his side, James Duncan White passed away in Turlock, California. James was born October 16, 1940, to Peter John White and Mildred Christine Church White, in Evart Township, Osceola County Michigan. James married Dorothy Janell Chesnut on June 10, 1962, in Fresno California, making their home in Merced, California and raising two daughters: Teresa Suzanne "Suzie" (Bob) Burk, and Kristine Michelle (Brett) Van Bebber. They were blessed with five grandchildren: Pamela (Miguel) Burk-Carrasco, Robert Burk, Duncan Van Bebber, Malcolm Van Bebber and Janell Van Bebber; and one great-grandchild Olivia Carrasco.

A role model to many, James recently said that he had no regrets. He credited education, as the single most positive force in the trajectory of his life, even though he hated school as a kid and rebelled against authority. Still, he always had a strong work-ethic. Even as a very young boy, his widowed mother expected her children to assume adult responsibility. James worked on farms and sent money back to his mother. Ultimately, turning 16 he boarded a train headed for Hanford, CA where he lived with his Aunt Ada Hall, who prioritized his education. For his secondary degree, he worked milking cows at the Pacific Union College dairy; he paid his own tuition at PUC, where he would meet the love of his life, when he took a seat next to Janell Chesnut in Chemistry class.

After being accepted to dental school, James left shortly thereafter, changing direction and would go on to devote the next 36 years to education. He taught what he knew; he was an Ag Teacher at both Chowchilla High and Merced High. Later he became an administrator for Career and Alternative Education. He loved his job, providing career path alternatives for students. As Assistant Superintendent at Merced County Office of Education, he is credited with saving the beloved Jack Boyd Outdoor School and Camp Green Meadows.

Many have said he was their favorite boss, and it is funny that over the years his birthday became dubbed "National Bosses Day". He was a productive person with a busy mind, and he created camaraderie with collaboration, as well as office pranks and jokes; many colleagues became dear friends.

He fostered opportunities for experience and travel for students, friends and family. Fieldtrips were encouraged for students. Professional development was rewarded. He, himself, drove all over the United States with his family and travelled overseas with his wife and friends. He was a benefactor of his community, generous with time and resources. As a neighbor, he was a phone call away to round up escaped livestock or to share bounty from his enormously productive gardens. He allowed many kids - who had nowhere to keep their 4-H or FFA livestock - to keep the animals on his own farm. He mentored many proteges over the years; it was his pleasure to do so. And many a protege, colleague and friend came back to him for advice: life philosophy advice, career advice, investment advice, cattle ranching advice, political voting advice and most recently advice on longevity. The Angus Cattle Rancher had become a vegan zealot! When asked how he mustered the fortitude to stick with a strict vegan diet, he said, "Well, one day I decided to become vegan and the next day, I was."

Few men are, or will ever be, more consistent and dependable then he was. Above all, the most important to him - was his family, who have lost their biggest fan and most ardent supporter. At his request, there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his name to the Future Farmers of America.

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