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San Benito
March 28, 2024

Graniterock: Jim West ‘will be sincerely missed’

Graniterock Co. released a statement to employees following the death of longtime employee Jim West, who was mayor of San Juan Bautista and active in the San Benito County community for decades.
The following is that statement released Thursday in Graniterock’s online newsletter:
We are extremely saddened to learn about the death of longtime Graniterock team member Jim West, who passed away suddenly today.
Jim joined the Company in 1996, serving in a public affairs and community relations role that was instrumental in many of the Company’s permitting efforts through the years.
The 75-year-old was a well-known and beloved figure in San Benito County, where he lived for two decades and served on the San Juan Bautista City Council, including one term as mayor.
Jim was elected to the San Benito County Health Care District, appointed to the county’s Parks & Recreation Commission, and served as vice chair of the county’s General Plan Update Committee.
Jim served on the Board of Directors for the United Way and received two National Philanthropy Awards as well as the Gavilan College Community Spirit Award and the San Benito Community Leadership Award.
Jim was an antique car buff, and had taken great care of Graniterock’s vintage fleet in recent years.
You would often find him behind the wheel of the Company’s 1950 mixer truck and 1928 Model AA Ford dump truck at community events throughout the SF Bay Area and Central Coast.
Raised in Illinois, Jim attended college in Southern California after leaving the Marine Corps.
His career began in consulting for the construction materials industry, which led him to Graniterock.
Jim, whose love of motor sports started as a teen racing motorcycles, had recently attended events at Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway and the Indianapolis 500.
He is survived by his daughter Tina, as well as a granddaughter and great granddaughter.
Jim will be sincerely missed by his Graniterock family. Our prayers are with Jim’s family and friends.
Plans for services have not yet been announced.

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