James Norman Kern Fogarty

James Norman Kern Fogarty 1940-2026

James Norman Kern Fogarty was born in 1940 at the Miners Hospital in Grass Valley, California, to Norman and Grace Howe Fogarty. He spent the rest of his life proving that the best way to get where you're going is to take your sweet time.

After graduating from Castro Valley High School, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from the California College of Arts and Crafts. It was there that he mastered his gift as a western artist, and his paintings captured the Wild West he loved so dearly. In his heart, the west was the best place on earth.

In 1968, he married Joyce Growing Thunder, and together they welcomed Juanita, George, Roger, and Jack. Their home and hearts were big enough to raise Joyce's nephew, Darryl, too.

Jim was a lover of all things antique and a proud nostalgist for the good ol' days. His collection of classic cars was impressive, and every single one of them was always in the middle of being worked on. He loved hitting the open road and seeing the country, happiest when he was free to roam. He never owned a watch, so he ran on his own time, and everyone else just had to catch up.

His mission in life was to make a new friend every day, and he took it seriously. Anyone lucky enough to meet him will tell you he was the friendliest man they ever knew.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He'll be missed by everyone he ever befriended and all his loved ones. Along with his children, he is survived by his grandchildren Jessa, Leland, Shalea, Gigi, Jenna, Marita, Joycelyn, Harlynd, Camryn, Garen, Inyan, Cetan, Wambdi, Paytyn, Karmen, Gracelynn, and Georgeanne. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Waylon, Violet, Scarlett, Klaus, Amelia, Nuna, Anissa, Onyx, and Jasper.

James's arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com
 

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