Jim Don Kanady

Jim Don Kanady "Papa" went home to continue his journey with God on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the age of 82. He was born on March 10, 1942, to George Cleveland and Dovie May Stewart Kanady from Arkansas. He attended school, and grew up meeting many of his lifelong friends in Woodville, CA. Jim was known to his friends as Jimmy Don, and to his family and grandbabies as Papa.

Jim graduated from Porterville High School in 1960 and married the love of his life and the queen of his heart, Suzi, on March 4, 1966. Together they raised their son Craig. Jim graduated with his Associates degree from Porterville College and earned licenses as a Psychiatric Technician and Real Estate Broker. He retired from the Porterville Developmental Center after 39 years in 2004, where he held many titles working with his beloved friends and clients. His specialty was in sign language, and he had an impressive communication skill that many admired, watching him sign and communicate. Jim had his real estate brokers license and worked in commercial and residential real estate. His hobbies beyond spending time as Papa with the grandbabies, was the Rolling Relics Car Club and his 1955 Bel Air. He relished the times with his closest friends at Car Club Events and Shows. He will always be remembered alongside his fancy '55.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dovie; his brothers, Autis Cleveland "Audie" (Betty), Alfred Wesley "Al" (Virginia), Arnold R. "Arnie" (Myra); Sister, Hattie Lou Ann "Annie" (Kenneth). He is survived by his wife, Suzi Kanady; son, Craig Kanady (Lisa); grandchildren, Jaime Marie White (Daniel), Matthew Douglas Kanady, Kylee Luann Kanady; and great-granddaughters, Rose Marie O'Dell, Kayzlynne Marie-Leighanne Kanady, and Mkynnah Mattie-Marie Kanady; as well as many adoring cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was a devoted Father and Papa. He coached and cheered his babies through all their sports and extracurricular activities. He was the Papa on the sidelines with the video camera. He enjoyed the time with his car club family and his face lit up with pride about his beautiful '55 Chevy Bel Air. He leaves us all with tall tales and memories of his love for his Fresno State Bulldogs, golf trips, wine tasting extravaganzas, car shows, vacation trips, cruises, and "Pucka-Pucka-Pucka" with Grams and their friends.

Forever loved, forever in our hearts Jimmy Don, Papa.

There will be a memorial service to honor the life of Jimmy Don "Papa" on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Myers Funeral Home at 248 N. E Street Porterville, CA 93257. Immediately following there will be a graveside memorial at Woodville Cemetery at 17203 Ave 168 Woodville, CA. The family invites you back to The Elks Lodge at 386 N. Main Street, Porterville, CA to continue the celebration of his beautiful life from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

To share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the obituaries section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries <http://www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries>. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.