James "Jim" C. Eddie

James Clyde Eddie, known to all as “Jim”, lost his battle to cancer on July 13, 2025 at his home, peacefully surrounded by family. Jim was extremely proud of his heritage and the fact that he was the fourth generation of two Potter Valley pioneer families. He was born at home to Leona Dashiell Eddie and Clyde Raymond Eddie on May 21, 1935.

Jim spent his entire life in Potter Valley. He was a graduate of Potter Valley High School and attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before coming home to work side by side with his mother Leona on the family ranch.

Jim was a big man, not just in terms of physical stature but in his persona as well. A natural and commanding leader, a storyteller, and historian. Jim devoted his life to serving the people of Mendocino County, first as a trustee of the Ukiah Unified School District during Potter Valley’s fight for deunification. That experience opened the door for Jim to run for the Board of Supervisors in 1974, representing the County’s Third District for the next 20 years.

In 1983, Jim was elected president of the California State Association of Counties, representing county government at the state and federal levels. It was his larger than life personality and general love for people that resulted in his colleagues electing him to this prestigious honor.

Upon retirement from the Board of Supervisors in January 1995, Jim was appointed to the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway Transportation District board of directors representing Mendocino County. Unfortunately that was the same year his wife Judy died of a quick moving cancer. Jim would spend the next 24 years traveling twice a month to San Francisco for board meetings.

Over the course of his career, Jim served on various committees. One close to his heart was the Mendocino County Museum Advisory Committee, upon which he served from his retirement until recently.

Always a rancher at heart, he stood out as the rare elected official that still worked and lived on the land. Even when getting on and off a tractor became more challenging, Jim loved to rake hay every summer on the green pastures of the ranch. He spent his days looking for the next great equipment buy, usually the same vintage as himself.

Jim’s lifelong commitment to the community of Potter Valley was recognized by his selection of Grand Marshall of the Potter Valley Rodeo in 2016.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Judy Dightman Eddie; his parents, Clyde Eddie and Leona (Dashiell) Eddie; sisters Janet Cain and Helen Blundell; and daughter-in-law Kelly (Moerman) Eddie. He is survived by his three children, Jan L. (Wes) Fairbairn, James W. Eddie, and Katie L. (Michael) Delbar; eight grandchildren: Amanda Phillips (Jarrett Morgan), Rebecca (Jacob) Lawson, and Sara Fairbairn (Chris Mangino); Emily Broesky (Ian) and William Eddie; Kayla (Dan) Moore, Taylor (Ashley) Delbar, and Matthew Delbar; six great grandchildren; and sisters-in-law Patty Bartolomei and Dana Dightman.

Graveside services will be held at the Potter Valley Cemetery on Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 am. A gathering to remember Jim will follow immediately at the Eddie Ranch, 9401 Main Street, Potter Valley. The family requests that the Mendocino County Museum in Willits or the Potter Valley Cemetery District receive consideration for memorial gifts.