James A. Tarpley II — ‘Jimbo’
1958 — 2022
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Sad to say we lost my father, James Andrew Tarpley II, better known as Jimbo, on Christmas Eve.
He had many names, but his favorite was Papa!
Jimbo was born on Dec. 9, 1958, to James Andrew Tarpley and Sally Esther Tarpley in Lakeport, California.
He lived his entire life in Upper Lake where he attended elementary, middle and went on to graduate from Upper Lake High School in the Class of 1977.
In 1992 Jimbo joined the Army, where his favorite memories and stories were of driving Humvees for his sergeant while in Germany.
Jimbo received an honorable discharge in March of 1996. When he returned home from the Army, he worked for his father at Jim’s Pumps for a few years before moving on to try other occupations. He spent many years washing dishes at Judy’s Junction, which he enjoyed because of the friendships he built with his customers.
In 2001 Jimbo’s only grandchild was born and changed the remainder of his life. Jimbo was overjoyed at being a grandfather and spent every moment possible with his grandson.
He spent his free time fishing, hunting and driving around. Every weekend he could be found watching car races, from here at our local track to hours away, it didn’t matter to him, he just loved to watch the races and support the racers whom he had developed great friendships with.
He had many friends, but notably his closest lifelong friends, who were more like family are, the Brackett Family.
Jimbo had a huge heart and was loved by all who met him. Never a dull moment when he was around.
Jimbo will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Sally Tarpley; his grandmother, Grace; and his niece, Nikki.
Jimbo leaves behind his sister, Deb (Chris) Gordon; brother, Jeff (Mary) Tarpley; daughter, Jamie (Joe) Fernandez; grandson, Junior (Emily) Fernandez; great-grandchildren, Ava and Jose IV; and nephews, Robert, Tony and Jeffrey.
The family is having a celebration of life on Saturday Jan. 14, at noon at the North Shore Event Center, formerly the Sons of Italy, located at 2817 E Highway 20 in Nice.
Please come share your stories with us.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
