When former Tulare County Supervisor Jim Maples died of cancer last week at age 75, friends praised his good nature and humor.
"His nickname in some circles was 'Gentleman Jim,' " said Assembly Member Connie Conway of Tulare. "If anyone fit the description, it was him. His thought was that it was a privilege to serve the people."
Maples attended "every barbecue and ribbon-cutting" in his district, said former aide Brian Thoburn. He was the kind of politician who would personally check on a pothole complaint, said former reporter Henry Winkel of Porterville.
Maples served as men's basketball coach at Porterville City College for 22 years. As supervisor, he succeeded in getting county departments to open offices in Porterville.
His sense of humor was legendary.
In 2001, Burton School District in Porterville named a school after Maples, to his surprise.
"They name schools after dead people," Maples said. "Maybe they looked at me and decided I was close enough."
Maples and fellow Supervisor Mel Richmond were once at the Hyatt in Sacramento on a lobbying trip. They accidentally got on the wrong elevator, which only went to the fifth floor -- but they needed the 10th floor.
"Push '5' twice," Maples said.
A public memorial service is planned at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Church of the Nazarene, 2005 W. Olive St., Porterville.
BACK TOGETHER: Stan Simpson of Visalia and local high school football coaches have revived the Quarterback Club.
They gave it a new name: The Gridiron Club.
It promotes esprit de corps among football coaches, athletes and supporters, Simpson said.
Every Thursday morning during football season, coaches from Visalia schools and College of the Sequoias meet for a minibreakfast of coffee, doughnuts and fruit at Recreation Park stadium on Giddings Street. Each coach gives a talk about what's in store for the next game and introduces his Athlete of the Week.
Retired COS athletic director Al Branco is master of ceremonies. Time: 6:45 a.m. Supporters welcome. Cost: $5.
JUST THIS ONCE: Visalia has never been the same since Hagopian's restaurant closed.
At the urging of friends, Richard and Gerry Hagopian have agreed to prepare an Armenian meal of lamb shish kebab, pilaf, salad, gourmet green beans and peda bread.
The $15-a-plate luncheon, a fundraiser for St. Mary Armenian Church, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at Visalia Veterans Memorial Building.
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