Obituary of James Edward Long

James Edward Long slipped from this world Sunday, October 27, returning to his Lord and Savior.

Jim was born in Oroville California to Marie (McKinley) Long and Howard Eugene Long.

He spent the wild days of his youth roaming the hills of Rackerby and Bangor where he grew up. Jim would often recall his adventures lounging in the treetops eating grapes off the vine in the peace of the mountains, accompanied by his dog Booppi and rifle.

Jim would move to Gridley with his family where he would attend Manzanita School. He would meet the love of his life, Laquita Chandler, during his time at Gridley High School. The two would marry young and immediately start a family, welcoming daughter Myrlai and son Sean. 22 years later, Jim and Laquita would be surprised by another addition, daughter Seti.

In his youth Jim spent many years working for Caltrans in the Soda Springs area of California, in rice, and later would transition to truck driving.

His passion for the outdoors never left him and he would frequently answer the call of the mountains, returning to little-to-unknown places to camp, hunt, fish, and four-wheel drive. In his younger days he was an avid bowhunter and enjoyed the skill it took to take down a deer. In his later years, he spent many tranquil hours beside streams fly fishing.

He shared his love of the mountains with his family, often camping under the stars with them, taking them on Jeep off-roading trips, or teaching them the art of fly fishing.

Along with his passion for nature, Jim longed to fly. He would achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a private pilot and would take his children and grandchildren on many memorable flights over the north valley.

In his later years he enjoyed volunteering with the Butte County Sheriff’s Stars program and serving the community.

Jim was quite a character and prone to joking with those he knew. He preferred to keep a close circle of friends, but always loved a good conversation with a stranger. He was also a great storyteller whether it was around a campfire, child’s sleep-over, or just shooting the breeze.

He truly had “9-lives” cheating death many times throughout his life.

He leaves behind him a life well-lived. Jim will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him, especially his family. Jim and Laquita would have joyfully celebrated 65 years of marriage this December.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother Marie McKinley (Long, Beales) and Father Howard Long.

Jim is survived by his life-long love Laquita Long (Chandler), son Sean Long, daughters Myrlai Waite (Art) and Seti Long, multiple grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel, 530-846-2138.