James Canfield

JAMES CLIFFORD CANFIELD James Clifford Canfield, 79, passed away March 14, 2015 in his home of 40 years in Chico, CA. Jim was born in 1935 in Fresno to parents Orville and Ann Canfield. A true Chicoan, Jim's schooling began at Notre Dame Catholic School, followed by Chico High School (where his grandfather, George Canfield, laid the building's cornerstone in 1920), and Chico State, where he earned a BA in Agricultural Business and was a prominent member of the LAA. Upon graduation, Jim joined his father in the family egg business, Canfield Farms, which he owned and operated until the 1980s. A farmer through and through, Jim continued to work as a grower for Western Hybrid Seed Company, and was member of the board of the Butte County Farm Bureau. Jim was extremely dedicated to his faith and to the community: he was a life-long parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, and a vocal advocate for unborn children since 1973. In 1975, he founded Buck's Lake Family Camp, which he and his family attended for over 35 years. Jim's memory lives on in the joy, love, and laughter that he shared with so many people, and in his appreciation for all of the natural beauty that he saw in the world. Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Roxane, and his nine children: Melanie Garrison (Doug), Sarah Anderson (Darius), Chris Canfield (Christie), Allison Ward (Tom), Andrew Canfield (Krista), Jennifer Rennie (Scott), Mark Canfield (Olivia), Michael, and Katie Canfield (Matthew Gaughan); and his 14 grandchildren: Grant, Caitlin and Mikinley Garrison; Tyge Anderson; Leo and Ivy Canfield; Tommy and Priscilla Ward; Tyler and Kelcey Canfield; Kieren and Cameron Rennie; and Catalina and RJ Canfield. He will also be remembered by his sisters, Sally Canfield Coup‚ and Virginia "Ginny" Ragain, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held from 5 - 7 pm and Vigil Service at 7:00 pm Thursday evening at Brusie Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. on Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Notre Dame School Endowment or Birthright in care of the funeral home.