FOWLER, CA - Beloved and jovial fruit industry pioneer, Jim Simonian, has passed away at age 72 this past Monday, September 26.

Born and bred in the produce hub of Fowler, California, the farmer and politician who devoted his life to his family and community has left his mark on all those who he crossed paths with. Jim’s family had farmed in the Fowler area since the early 1900s, founding the now well-known Simonian Fruit Company by 1960, the Fresno Bee reports. 

Under the careful watch of Jim and his late brother David, Simonian Fruit Company became a leading force in the San Joaquin Valley, growing, packing, and shipping produce items such as peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, persimmons, grapes, and pomegranates. At its largest, the family company farmed up to 3,000 acres. 

Jim’s son, Jimmy Simonian, is still involved in the company’s operations, as are many of the patriarch’s family members. Jimmy recently told the Modesto Bee about his father’s passion for being a steward of the land. “He would be out there every day. He loved the seasons, especially the spring when everything was new again. He used to tell me that all you needed to farm was the sun, soil, and water.” 

Former CFFA President, Barry Bedwell, spoke to me about his friend's legacy in the produce industry, saying, "Jim was a past Chairman of CFFA but more importantly a great friend to the entire agricultural community. He loved his family, being a farmer and serving as Mayor of his favorite place in the world, his hometown of Fowler. He truly will be missed by all that knew him."

Not only was Jim an avid farmer, his interests spanned far and wide across many eclectic fields. On top of being former Chairman of the California Fresh Fruit Association, 10-year Mayor of Fowler, and longtime Fowler City Council Member, Jim was also a private pilot in California for over 50 years.

Jim is survived by Eileen, his wife of 49 years; son, Jimmy and his wife Jennifer, and their children, Kamryn, Adam and Taylor of Reedley, California; son Brent; and daughter, Kari Jacobsen, as well as her husband Clay, and their children, Blythe, Rhett and Emilia; sister-in-law, Patti Simonian; and nephews and niece, Jeffrey, Kristen, Jonathan and his wife Elisa—all of Fowler, California. 

According to the Modesto Bee, a visitation will be held at Wallin’s Fowler Funeral Home, 302 E. Merced St., Fowler, on Thursday from 4 to 7 PM with a home service at 7 PM. A church service will also be held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 220 E. Fresno St. in Fowler at noon Friday. Interment to follow at Fowler District Cemetery, 8523 S. Fowler Ave.

AndNowUKnow would like to offer our sincere condolences to Jim’s many friends, family, and the city of Fowler that meant so much to him.