James G.

Balbas

James G. Balbas was one-of-a-kind. Some might describe him as a character but those who knew him best would describe him as a force. He was larger than life. He did not suffer fools, he loved deeply, preferred to be outside and adored dogs. He loved his family, overwatered his tomatoes, and loved bean burritos. If you met him once, you never forgot him.

He was raised in Madera, California with a very large family where he was one of sixteen siblings (six girls and ten boys). He enlisted in the Navy as a teenager and went on to serve two tours during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he enrolled in Fresno City College alongside some of his siblings. Later, he married his wife Linda and they went on to have three daughters. The young family settled in Hollister, California in 1973 where they raised their girls. In his younger years he enjoyed participating in the San Benito Rodeo in several events. He was a contractor by trade and loved to run cattle. He was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He was a tried-and-true adventurer.

If life was getting you down and you were overwhelmed by your circumstances he would say, "Where there is a will, there is a way, just keep putting one foot in front of the other." For those who knew him well he will be remembered by that undeniable twinkle in his eye.

He is survived by Linda, his girls (Jennifer, Andrea, and Erika) two grandchildren (Aidan and Abigail), and his siblings.

He loved deeply and was deeply loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 12th, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Perry property 1383 Shore Rd., Hollister, CA 95023.