James Victor Feliz

James Victor Feliz was born on July 28, 1932 to James and Antonia Feliz in Bakersfield, CA, where he lived most of his life. He graduated from Garces High School in 1950. In 1951, he joined the love of his life in San Francisco and attended the University of San Francisco, graduating in June of 1956, but not before marrying Patricia ‘Patty’ Elder in 1955. After graduation, they moved to Fort Bliss, Texas where Jim trained for a year with the U.S. Army in the Artillery and Anti-Aircraft Guided Missiles branch. Their first child was born just before they returned to their beloved San Francisco to increase their progeny by three more. He served as a Reserve Commissioned Officer of the California Army National Guard for six years from 1955 to 1961. In 1962, the family moved back to Bakersfield and bought their first and only home, where the remaining six children were born.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, his wife, Patricia ‘Patty’ (2011), and his sister Isabel (2020). He leaves behind ten children: Mark Feliz, Lt. Col. Paul Feliz, Maureen (Bruce) Mashburn, Victoria (Daniel) Poehner, Laura (Rick) Ryan, Greg (Diane) Feliz, Mary (Jeff) Poirier, Tom (Cindee) Feliz, Jane (Doug) Rush, and Vincent (Elsie) Feliz; as well as 24 beloved grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Jim had a varied career including insurance, journalism, management, and several entrepreneurial endeavors. His longest tenure was as Director of the American Indian Council of Central California. In addition to lobbying for Native American issues in California and Washington, DC, he was also involved in various community outreach organizations such as the Jaycees, Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bakersfield Community Development, California Indian Manpower Consortium (Indian JTPA for California), California Urban Indian Health Council, California Indian Health Policy panel, and was president of the Community Housing Resources Board of Bakersfield.

Jim, a faithful son of the Catholic Church, was very active in the St. Francis Church community and a devoted member of the lay Franciscans. He served the Church as an usher, lector, religious educator, and minister of communion. As a Chumash descendant of the Santa Barbara region, Jim was also particularly proud of his Native American heritage and participated in many native cultural and commemorative activities throughout his life.

Jim enjoyed a full life taking his kids on camping trips to the Kern River canyon, writing, golf, dancing, discussing politics and religion, and spending time with family and friends. Jim (‘Jimmy’) also enjoyed lifelong friendships with the Garces Class of 1950 with whom he grew up from elementary school. Their monthly poker games (i.e., “prayer meetings”) endured over 60 years. Love and lifelong friendship can be defined by these men and women who remained true until his death.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Vincent de Paul of Bakersfield at https://www.osvhub.com/svdpbakersfield/forms/in-memoriam

FRIDAY MAY 24: Viewing from 9 AM - 11 AM at Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara Funeral Home, 1100 Truxtun Ave. Rosary and Eulogy 1:30 PM at St. Francis Catholic Church, 900 H St. followed by the funeral mass at 2 PM. Burial at Union Cemetery, 730 Potomac Ave. immediately following.