James “Jim” Denny Glines was born in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 31, 1942. He passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 27, 2025.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, father, and perhaps his favorite role, Grandad.
Jim moved to Santa Maria as a child, where he lived with his parents and sister, Margaret “Anne” Glines. The family resided on the Rock Front Ranch in the Cuyama Valley.
Jim worked the cattle ranch as a young man, helping his father build roads, gather cattle, tend to chickens and all the chores required of a working cattle operation.
In his spare time on the ranch Jim enjoyed hunting birds and deer, and raising and showing 4H animals at the Santa Barbara County fair.
There wasn’t a canyon or valley on the Rock Front Ranch that he didn’t have a story about.
Jim attended St. Mary’s School in Santa Maria, then went on to Santa Maria High School, and ultimately graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1965 with a degree in farm management.
After graduation he took a job with Wells Fargo Bank in Hanford, California, where he worked from 1966-73 when he transferred to the Santa Maria branch.
Jim went to work for Bank of Santa Maria in 1983 where he met Bill Hares, then president of the bank. After the bank was sold to Mid-State Bank, Jim and Bill decided to open their own bank. The two founded Community Bank of Santa Maria, which opened its doors in 2001.
Jim loved banking and was so very proud of his team at Community Bank. After retiring as president, he stayed on as chairman of the board, keeping his desk where everybody could greet him as they came in to do their banking. He was famous for his handshake, warm smile and often silly jokes.
Jim was fascinated as a small child by the chant of livestock auctioneers, and eventually attended the World Champion College of Auctioneering in Bakersfield, California, where he learned to be an auctioneer. In 2001 he won the title of California State Champion Auctioneer.
Jim used his talents to raise money in the community he loved so much. There was rarely a fundraiser where you didn’t find him sharing his passion and his expertise to raise money for a cause he believed in.
Among the many passions in Jim’s life was rodeo at all levels. He was a staple at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, and was instrumental in helping form the Allan Hancock College Rodeo Team through the Allan Hancock Boosters Club.
He also loved to barbecue and was often seen on weekends cooking for nonprofits as a way to help them raise money. He was a traditional Santa Maria Style barbecuer, insisting on using red oak wood, and only the best cuts of aged beef.
Jim also loved sports and was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Rams and the Dodgers. He followed Allan Hancock basketball and Cal Poly basketball and football as well, having season tickets to both schools’ events.
Jim loved the community of Santa Maria and the community loved him right back. He was often asked to speak on the history of the Santa Maria Valley, and could tell stories for days about the city’s pioneers and founding fathers.
He was known to many as Mr. Santa Maria. He was bigger than life in every way, giving tirelessly to charities, his city and his friends.
The biggest love of Jim’s life was his family. He is survived by his sister Margaret “Anne” Glines of Santa Maria; cousin Charles “Chuck” Glines of Santa Maria; and his two sons John Glines of Santa Maria and Patrick Glines of San Antonio, Texas.
In 1985 Jim married his forever, Kathryn “Kathy” Blevins who had a son, Caden James “CJ” Blevins of Manteca, and daughter, Danica Jones of Orcutt. Jim and Kathy loved being together, traveling, visiting with friends and living life.
He was preceded in his death by his parents, Denzel “Denny” and Margaret Glines.
Jim’s religious faith was central to his life, providing him with a sense of purpose and peace. He was a dedicated member of Pacific Christian Church, where he found both fellowship and the strength to serve others.
His faith in God and commitment to his church shaped not only his life but also the way he interacted with his community, always leading with kindness, humility, and a generous spirit.
Jim was a member of the Rancheros Visitadores; he joined the Picadore Camp in 1974 and looked forward to the annual Rancheros Ride every spring. He loved the camaraderie, being outdoors and connecting with friends he only got to see there.
Perhaps Jim’s greatest love was being a grandad. It was a role he relished and excelled at. He had five grandchildren Ayla Lippincott, Taylor Glines, Jacob and Kameron Blevins, and Alissa Glines.
Funeral services will be at 10:07 a.m. March 10 at Pacific Christian Church. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hancock College Boosters, Inc., PO Box 9155, Santa Maria, Ca. 93456.
Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.