Obituaries

Legendary Fresno State Coach Jim Sweeney Passes Away

Fresno State’s All-Time Wins Leader Led the Bulldogs for 19 Seasons

FRESNO – Fresno State’s legendary head football coach Jim Sweeney passed away Friday, Feb. 8, he was 83 years old.Sweeney led the Bulldogs for 19 years on the sidelines, finishing as Fresno State’s all-time wins leader with 144 victories. In his 32 seasons as a head coach he finished with 200 wins.

“Jim Sweeney is a Bulldog legend who will be deeply missed in our community,” Fresno State’s University President John D. Welty said. “Not only was he one of Fresno State’s most successful football coaches, but he was also a man who loved his student-athletes, first as individuals, and second as athletes, making their well-being a priority. Jim was devoted to Fresno and to our university – he embodied the true Bulldog spirit.”

Former Madera Educator Dies: Dr. Jan Yocum Duke (65)

Dr. Jan Yocum Duke (65), a native of Madera, CA former resident of Fresno, CA and a resident of Paso Robles, CA for 7 years, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at a Fresno Hospital.

Jan graduated from Madera High School. She was a retired teacher and school administrator for 36 years. She was a teacher with Madera Unified School District and a consultant for the Bureau of Education and Research.

Judge Alec Brown (93)

Judge Alec Brown (93) passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. He was born in London, England and a resident of Madera, CA for the past 88 years.

Alec was a graduate of Madera High School class of 1937. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII. He was the Madera Justice Court Judge for 20 years, retiring in 1977.

Jeana Snipes (61)

Jeana Snipes (61) was called home by her Lord and Savior on December 14, 2012. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and friends.

Jeana leaves a rich legacy of teaching young children about Jesus in her Bible class at First Christian Church for over twenty years.She has influenced many lives for Christ by her faithfulness and her loving example of a life lived in God’s grace.

Rick Parsons (15)

Rick Parsons age 15, a lifelong resident of Madera, CA passed away Monday, December 10, 2012 at his Madera home. He was a student and loved being on his computer and occupying himself with electronics.