It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James (Jim) A. Wolcott, a man of boundless energy and deep benevolence.
Jim was born on September 18, 1953 in Pasco, Washington and went home to be with his Lord Savoir on July 8, 2026. He passed peacefully at his home in Susanville, California after a long battle with dementia, with his wife Linda, and two sons Jake, Matthew and family near his side.
Through his journey of 72 years, he touched many lives with his wisdom, humor and unwavering spirit of kindness.
Jim graduated from Centennial high school in Gresham Oregon in 1971. After his marriage to Linda (Creech) Wolcott on March 9, 1974 they moved to Reno, Nevada where he worked for Hobart Food & Equipment and as a manager of Burger King Restaurants.
In 1985, he and his family moved to Susanville, California. Jim became owner/proprietor of the Burger King, TCBY, and Country Kitchen Restaurants. He later worked as Lassen County Fair Manager for over 15 years.
Jim’s commitment, dedication and leadership left a lasting legacy to the Lassen County community. Jim was a devoted member of his church, Community Church of Susanville, California. He enjoyed serving his community, helping people, and providing support to whoever in need. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons and grandchildren and close friends.
He received many community awards for his contributions to youth sports and community events and projects. He was recognized by the Susanville Chamber of Commerce for Community Service and Business of the Year. He was awarded the WFA Blue Ribbon in recognition and appreciation of dedication and support to the Lassen County Fairgrounds.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Sharalie and Charles “Buzz” Wolcott. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda Sue (Creech) Wolcott, his two sons, Jacob wife Mindy and Matthew wife Shandre of Susanville. Brothers: Gary of Washington, Larry of Arizona, Rob of North Carolina. Sisters: Sue Whitten of Washington, and Gayle Rehkop of Fallon, Nevada. Jim is also survived by seven grandchildren, Maleah, Jacob wife Kaylee, Connor wife Ashley, Roman, Andre, Ace and Mariah. Jim was blessed to have four great granddaughters, Novaleigh, Nalani, Renesemme, and Serenity, as well as eight nephews and seven nieces, and brother and sister in-laws.
A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on September 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Community Church of Susanville, 1400 Numa Rd. Susanville, CA 96130
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a memorial contribution in Jim’s honor to Community Church of Susanville Fellowship Fund.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” – James 1:12
” Jim’s Brother, Gary Wolcott tribute … My youngest brother, Jim passed away this morning. The world is now an emptier place. He was the most gentle, kindhearted, loving and honest human being I have ever known.
Jim lived most of his life in Susanville, California where he served the community in more ways that we can count. He loved people and always could be counted on to be there when needed. Jim sponsored youth sports, community events, worked as an important member of his church and loved his family.
Linda —Jim’s wife —is a saint and loved him deeply. They were married over 50 years. Not many people these days can say that. She and her sons, Jacob and Matthew are in my prayers. There are no words of comfort that will ease the pain of losing a husband and father as wonderful as Jim.
Jim had dementia. Sadly, it took who he was long before it took his life. Linda, Jake and Matthew vowed to keep Jim at home and with them rather than —like a lot of people do —stick him in a home and forget about him.
That is the kind of love he inspired in his family. He also spread that love and light wherever he went. Few people can honestly say their lives are that open and honest.
That was Jim. Open, honest and very, very funny. He had an incredible sense of humor.
But, at the end of his life, Jim had dementia. We laugh when we forget things and kid around about having dementia. But dementia is a cruel disease. It robs people of their souls and personality and turns them into something they never were. It killed who Jim was long before it finally took his body.
Jim Wolcott made this world a better place—no, not JUST better —a LOT BETTER PLACE. Something most of us can’t say. To say he will be missed by family, friends and his community is the understatement of all time.
He was the best person I have ever known and I loved him and he loved me. I am blessed to have been a small part of his life. I’m the older brother and it should have been Jim looking up to me. Instead, it was me looking up to him. He was the person I always sought to be.
Today I am in shock. Half here. Not knowing who or what to be. Empty. His other brothers, Larry and Rob, and sisters Sue and Gayle feel the same. We—his family—were blessed by him. Today he is at peace. Our peace is knowing we will all see him again soon.
