James "Jim" R. Bidegary passed away on January 18th, 2016, at the age of 89.

Jim was born in Hollister, CA on April 24th, 1926. Jim was a 1944 graduate of Hollister High School, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. He attended San Benito Junior College, and received a Graduate Certificate in Commercial Banking from the American Institute of Banking. Jim retired from the Bank of America after 34 years.

Jim was in the Army during WWII in the South Pacific Theater, and in the occupation of Japan. S/Sgt. Bidegary was entitled to wear the Presidential Unit of Citation ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, received 3 Bronze Stars for meritorious service, and was the proud recipient of the prestigious Army Commendation Ribbon awarded by the Commander-in-Chief United States Armed Forces, Pacific. He has been a charter member of the Hollister VFW Post #9242 since 1947.

Jim is survived by his long time companion Brenda Abreu, his 3 children, Thomas, Robert and Virginia, and 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his beloved sister Grace Bidart.

Visitation will commence at 10:30 a.m. at the Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home, 870 San Benito Street, Hollister, CA on Friday, January 22nd with services beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visit www.grunnagle.com for condolences