James Murdoch McLeod

November 13, 1928 - January 1, 2021

Third generation Tracy area farmer, James McLeod, passed away peacefully due to complications of COVID on January 1, 2021 at the age of 92. He was born on November 13, 1928 in Modesto, attended Jefferson Elementary School, graduated from Tracy High School in 1947, then attended Stockton College (now Delta College). Farming his entire life, Jim produced apricots, walnuts, some row crop products and was instrumental in improving many farming techniques, such as the first to mechanically harvest apricots instead of the then conventional method of hand picking. He was active in agricultural water management serving on many water boards across the state for 60 years and was a member of the Banta Carbona Irrigation District Board since 1961, serving as president since 1973. He advocated for water rights needed to protect northern California agriculture, fish and wildlife, and delivered many speeches over the years at state agriculture and water conferences. Jim received many awards over the years including Tracy High Alumni of the Year, City of Tracy Farmer of the Year, Tracy Elk of the Year, San Joaquin County Agriculturalist of the Year, and was inducted into the San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame. He was also active in community service as members of Tracy Recreation Board, and the Tracy High School Board, serving as president in his final year. In his private life he was an avid hunter, loved to fish with his friends and family in Alaska, and a regular golfer being distinguished and lucky enough to win a new vehicle in a hole-in-one golf tournament. He is survived by his wife Darline of 66 years, daughter Roxanne (Todd) Felver, daughter-in-law Dawn McLeod, sister-in-law Delores Sullivan, and six grandchildren: Gregory Felver, Geoffory (Nicole) Felver, Meghan McLeod, Stephan (Breanna) McLeod, James McLeod, and Taylor McLeod. He was preceded in death by his two sons Ronald and Roger McLeod, parents Edison Sr and Josephine McLeod, and his brother Edison Jr. (Ruth) McLeod. Viewing will be available on Monday January 11 from 3:00-7:00 pm at Tracy Memorial Chapel, burial will be private. Please consider donating blood products in Jim’s name to help those fighting COVID. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice.