Reverend James Kubik
Obituary
Native son, Reverend James Kubik, died November 6, 2023. He was born September 29, 1930 to Opal Ryan Kubik and Frank John Kubik.
His father's immigrant family began farming the Kubik ranch out of Soledad next to Paraiso Hot Springs in 1893.
His mother was the eldest of the Ryan family of the Ryan Ranch in Monterey. Her father, Charles Ryan, built the family home which we now know as Tarpy's Restaurant.
James began his early education in Salinas schools. He graduated from Salinas High in 1948 and then Hartnell College.
James thought he was clearly headed to a career as a chemistry teacher. But a Bible study and prayer group opened his heart and changed his calling to become a Christian pastor.
He graduated from Cal Berkeley and earned a Theological degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley.
Jim was ordained in the United Methodist Church California-Nevada Conference.
While Jim was finishing his studies, he was sent by the Board of Missions of the Methodist Church to places across our nation that were experiencing growth.
While in Minnesota, Jim met his future wife, Marlyss Carlson, a college student preparing for work as a Christian educator in the Methodist church.
Jim and Marlyss have spent 68 years together as husband and wife. Their partnership included serving Methodist churches in Los Molinos, Earlimart, New Cuyama, Half Moon Bay, Freedom, Hollister, and Salinas/Hillcrest.
Jim was fluent in English, Spanish, French and German. He served not only the English speakers but also the Hispanic community, doing weddings, funerals and working with people who only spoke Spanish.
During the Clinton administration, Jim worked with other faith pastors in Salinas to start a Center to help youth get out of gangs. President Clinton donated a large amount of money to help with this special Center to help cut down on gang violence.
While serving the Hollister Methodist Church, Jim brought the VNA, Visiting Nurses Association to the San Benito Community. He worked privately with Cesar Chavez to help the farm laborers. He also worked with Henry J. Mello on many issues.
James retired in 1991 and continued an active life for a number of years. He worked 10 years part-time for a local mortuary.
Three children were born to the Kubik household: Ann Kubik Wooten, Beth (Dennis) Swank, and John Kubik. Beloved grands: April, Annie, Amy, Accalia and Devita. Seven greats: John, Charles, James, Evie, Maggie, Aubrey and Tristan.
Visitation will be held on Saturday November 18, 2023 from 11am-3pm at Struve & Laporte Funeral Chapel, Salinas, CA.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday December 9, 2023 at 2pm at the First United Methodist Church of Salinas, CA 93901.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions could be sent to the First United Methodist Church of Salinas, 404 Lincoln Ave. Salinas, CA 93901.
Published in The Pajaronian and Hollister Free Lance · November 10, 2023