James Easton Teel

1930 - 2024

James (Jim/Jamie) Easton Teel

March 21, 1930 - October 11, 2024

Carmichael, California - Jim Teel passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2024, of natural causes.

Born in Hollister, CA as the youngest child of Charlotte and Elmer (Jack) Teel, Jim was known throughout his 94 years as a man of quiet strength, integrity, and humility. He was deeply dedicated to his family and his work, which intertwined in a nearly 70 year career with Raley's, the grocery chain founded by his father-in-law.

After moving to Sacramento in 1935, Jim spent his childhood in Land Park - attending Sutterville Elementary, California Middle School, and C.K. McClatchy High School. It was here that he met his wife, Joyce Raley. They married in 1950 and went on to welcome five children, Michael, Claudia, Diane, Laurie, and Lisa.

Jim graduated from Sacramento State University in 1953 with a degree in Business. He joined Raley's, starting first as a produce manager and then as an apprentice butcher. As the company grew, so did Jim's career. He helped establish the main office for Raley's, launched a central meat department, served as the first Human Resources director, led sales and merchandising, and eventually served as Vice President. In his later years, Jim served with his wife as Co-Chair of the Board of the Directors.

Known as Tom Raley's right-hand man, Jim brought a steady and calm strength to the team. It was rare to not find him in the office early or on Saturday mornings - and employees fondly recalled seeing him jog up and down the stairs in the office for exercise, jotting down a pencil mark on the doorway to count laps. Jim never sought the spotlight, but was greatly admired by his peers and employees alike. He and Joyce were inducted in the California Grocers Hall of Fame in 2015.

While most knew Jim as a quiet, focused man, he also had an adventurous side. His teenage summer spent working at Camp Curry in Yosemite Village ignited a lifelong love of the outdoors. Together with his wife, Jim traveled to Nepal, China, Africa, Europe, and camped and hiked across the globe. As a young husband, he began taking flying lessons. From building his own plane to flying experimental aircraft, Jim's love of aviation lasted a lifetime. In addition to flying for pleasure, he volunteered for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Air Squadron. Jim also enjoyed sailing and boating. He could often be found treating family and friends to rides on his beloved Lake Tahoe.

But of all his passions, Jim was most dedicated to his high school sweetheart and wife, Joyce, who preceded him in death. Family and friends will recall how they often lovingly snuggled into the same armchair, and the joyful way they danced together at weddings and parties. While we mourn his loss, we take comfort in knowing that Joyce and Jim are reunited once again. Jim's legacy of kindness, integrity, and hard work will live on in all who knew him, including his surviving family of 5 children and their spouses, and more than 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held to celebrate Jim's extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Raley's Food For Families in his honor.