James Andrew Conklin age 74, died on January 5, 2018, in Palm Desert, California.

He is survived by his wife, Daria Conklin, of 48 years; his daughter, Kara Conklin and her husband, Virgil  Merritt; his son, Kyle Conklin; his sister, Gerry and brother-in-law Gary Hammer; his brother-in-law Damian Salady; his niece, Dana, her husband, John Mckenry and their children Ross and Jack; his niece, Kelly Jordan and her 5 children, Michael Jordan, Andrew Jordan, Jordan Kaboulov, Benjamin Hartbarger and Allison Hartbarger; and nephew, Jeff Jordan.

Jim was born on May 30, 1943, in Trenton, New Jersey to his parents, Albert and Mary Conklin. They moved to Yardley, Pennsylvania and he graduated from Pennsbury High School.  He received his BA from Georgia Southern University.  He served in the US Army the 8th Battalion 4th Field Artillery in 1968 and was deployed to Vietnam. After the Vietnam War, he met his wife Daria. Jim was a great family man and a loving father. He married Daria in 1969 and they had a wonderful life together.  They made their home in Plaistow, New Hampshire and retired to Palm Desert. In his professional life, he worked as a Teacher, Retail Store Manager, and Professional Driver.

Jim had many passions but he absolutely adored dogs and rescued them throughout his life.  He was an avid collector of Hess Trucks and also had his Hallmark Car collection which he loved to show to friends and family on Christmas Eve.  Every year since Jim proposed to Daria on Christmas Eve, they made it a tradition and celebrated with friends and family.  His other passions include Gardening, Trivia, Nascar and his beloved Patriots and Red Sox!  And if you knew Jim, you would know one thing about him he wanted extra lemons in his ice tea!

A funeral is scheduled at Riverside National Cemetery on February 3rd, 2018 at 2 pm Military Honors with a reception to follow at VFW Moreno Valley. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life.  If you plan to attend please contact Kara via PM or Text. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Loving All Animals: 44635 San Rafael Ave. Palm Desert CA lovingallanimals.org.  Riverside National Cemetery: 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518.  VFW Moreno Valley: 22616 Alessandro Blvd, Moreno Valley, CA 92553