In Memory of James A. "Jim" Gomes

                                                                             July 6,1940 -January 18, 2025

James Anthony Allen Gomes (Jim) was born in Los Banos Ca July 6, 1940 to Tony (Anthony Jr) and Elsie (Elise) Mendonca Gomes. He grew up on a dairy which was responsible for his future in the dairy manufacturing business. Jim graduated from LB High where he played football and served as Student Body President. Jim initially attended Hartnell JC and worked at the San Joaquin Valley Dairymen's plant in Los Banos on weekends. He transferred to Fresno State and declared his major as Dairy Manufacturing. He was instrumental in establishing the ice cream plant on campus and worked closely with his mentor, Professor Bob Selkirk. They began the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at Fresno State which continues today. Jim was pin #5.

He began working at Producers Dairy during his college years and continued after graduating becoming Plant Manager. He developed a close working relationship and respect for the Shehadey family. Having a new challenge present itself, he became Plant Manager plant for Foremost Foods in Fresno, Hughson and soon Lemoore (and its successors Knudsen and Leprino Foods) becoming Western Region manager in all three entities.

Jim and family moved to Lemoore in 1970, making it their permanent home. Initially he was plant manager It was during this time that Jim was instrumental in bringing Leprino Cheese to Lemoore. In August 1999 3 dairy coops merged, the Danish Creamery where he was serving as President and CEO, California Milk Producers and San Joaquin Dairymen. Jim served as CEO and later transitioned to Senior Vice President of Marketing until his retirement.

Jim served his community as a school board member for Lemoore Elementary School District. Additionally, he was chairman of the annual Christmas Parade and Vice president and President of the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce. Jim also served his industry with work in several areas including the Roadside program recognizing a great view of the various member dairies with a plaque. In addition, he served in several offices and positions with the dairy industry including California Creamery Operators Association serving as president when the Association celebrated its 100th anniversary. Jim was also the TOP DOG at Fresno State for the School of Agriculture and a long time member donor of the Bulldog Foundation Athletic Scholarship fund.

Jim and Sharlene have celebrated 62 years together, marrying at St John's in Fresno in August of 1962, Together they had a son and a daughter. He is survived by his son, Keith and his wife Bonnie, their children Katie, Anna, Erica and her husband Raul and James II. He is predeceased in 2015 by his and Sharlene's daughter, Kathy, who is survived by her husband Fred and his son Travis.

He is also predeceased by his brother Dan and their parents.

He is survived by his brother's 2 daughters and families as well as numerous cousins. He is also survived by two special nephews who have been there for both Jim and Sharlene throughout this journey. Burke Bakula and his family and Don Watkins and his family. As well as beloved care givers Nicole Davis and others who helped him so very much.

Jim is now reunited with all his cherished street rods and projects that he so loved.

A memorial service will be held on February 13, 2025 at 11 am at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lemoore.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Ag One Foundation in Jim's memory.  Other organizations include Central Valley Honor Flight or UCSF Parkinson's Disease Clinic and Research Center.