James David Golladay

James David Golladay graduated with honors and flying colors on the 13th of October 2025.

He went by many names during his time on this side of the ether - and whether he was Jim, JD, Diamond Jim, the Big Mahatma, Dad (but *never* "Grandpa") or another moniker to you, he was always revered for his infectious spirit, zest for life, and stories that were stranger and more entertaining than fiction.

Jim became an Eagle Scout in his youth, and carried the Scout Oath and lessons with him throughout this nearly 10 decades. He graduated high school early, earned a Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree, and eventually obtained his commercial pilot license. He went on to lead marketing, manufacturing and R&D at DuPont with an emphasis in their textiles division, and from there led Rockwell International as Managing Director among other corporate endeavors.

He had an entrepreneurial spirit as well, having been raised by multiple Golladay generations who established the first drug store (Golladay's Drug & Book Store) in Holden, MO along with the Holden Home Telephone Co., Holden Steam Laundry and Golladay Motor Co. His parents, Herbert David (HD) Golladay and Calla Harlan, as well as his sister Marilyn, were endlessly proud to call him theirs.

Jim shifted into startup mode as he purchased and operated the Jackson Hole, WY airport in the early 80s, and continued founding organizations mixing his engineering background with sales skills throughout his life.

He was an unintentional trendsetter, being early to Jackson as well as to Boulder, CO followed by Walnut Creek, CA. Jim also lived internationally in London and Whitstable, England, living on Baker Street (where Sherlock Holmes supposedly officed) while Managing Director for Bunker Ramo Corporation. He also spent significant time in Brussels and Paris during his Rockwell International tenure. He appreciated all walks of life, culture and cuisine.

Wherever he hung his hat, he immersed himself into every outdoor hobby his surroundings offered. He loved to scuba dive on vacation - and even found treasure, some of which he used to design a custom wedding ring. His primary hobby in Jackson (unsurprisingly) was flying. He also owned a plot of land in Tennessee, which he flew himself in and out of. He was an avid skier, with countless runs taken in Squaw Valley with his children. The man, myth and legend never sat still.

He never met a dog he didn't wish to train as a hunting companion, and complemented his fondness for four-legged friends with an affinity for two-wheeled modes of transport. He was staunch in his love for motorcycles and dirt biking.

Given his upbringing in the automotive business, it was no surprise he had a passion for antique cars. Especially the Model T, the sound of which would bellow through the Walnut Creek neighborhood. One of his favorite past times was offroading in his yellow dune buggy. Towards the end of his time with us, he remarked the 1956 Mercedes 190 SL was his favorite car.. having lost his affinity for Porsches when one was totaled by a shall-remain-nameless romantic partner.

Jim found comfort in his steadfast faith, studying all flavors of spirituality from Presbyterian to Quaker to Tao to Baptist (the latter with his dear friend Jeff Boyd). He was into mindfulness before it was en vogue - tapping awake his senses each morning, and asking "how can I help?" rhetorically as a way to start each morning in a generous manner.

He loved to eat buttered popcorn at the theater, and was famous for his CC & Ginger Ale "soda pops" (but never before 5pm, and if he ever were to have an adult beverage with tonic, it had better be Schweppes). Even when it was clear the end was near, he requested French wine. Only JD would enjoy Veuve as his final drink.

Jim was the patriarch to quite a brood, namely, Dave, Hal, Brian, Scott, Todd, Ian and Maija. And "JD" (never Grandpa) to DJ, Jason, Vanessa, Johnny, Ben, Jamie, Bastian, and Brent. He was lucky in love, and married twice; first to his high school sweetheart Doris, and later to Beth. He never lost his appreciation for romance, and recently told a nurse he was "a gentleman and a scholar.. well, always a scholar, mostly a gentleman".

He would want to toast to his best friend, Pat Tierney, for their decades of getting the best bite of the apple, as well as to newer friends including Zack LaFerriere who took a special interest in his never-short stories (much like this obituary). He also shared a special bond with Patrick Costello, with whom he mused over engineering, stoicism, Christianity and outdoor adventures.

Should you feel inclined to honor him, he would love for you to enjoy the beauty of nature, curl up with a good book, listen to Lawrence Welk's Moon River, or watch an old school western at high volume. Do so while ensuring you are leaving the world better than you found it, as he worked to do til the end.

If you are in the tithing spirit, please consider a donation to the Grass Valley Library in Northern California or to California State Parks.

Keep up the side. Love ya love ya love ya. Etcetera etcetera.

"Don't lose your thrust. Drive on, each turn (stop) will be illuminated." - JD Golladay

"A home is where I am "at home" with God, with my family, and with my fellow man; where real peace and beauty will prevail." - also, JD Golladay