Well-known Santa Maria businessman and philanthropist Jim Glines dies at 82

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Well-known Santa Maria businessman and philanthropist Jim Glines has died at the age of 82-years-old. The cause of death is not known.

A lifelong resident of the Santa Maria Valley, Glines was a familiar face to many across region, through his immense community service efforts, his successful business ventures and award-winning auctioneering.

Raised on a cattle ranch in the Cuyama Valley, Glines attended grammar and high school in Santa Maria. He later graduated from Cal Poly with a Bachelor’s Degree in Farm Management, and added a Graduate Degree in Banking from the University of Colorado.

During his lifetime, there have been few, if any, individuals in the Santa Maria Valley who have given back to the community more than Glines, who was a constant presence at hundreds of charitable events through the years.

Glines was a member of the Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 for more than 50 years and was past chairman of the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen Contest. 

He also served as Elks Rodeo Queen Chairman or Co-Chairman for 20 years and was named as the Santa Maria Elks Lodge “Citizen of the Year” in 2008.

Glines was also a board member of Los Rancheros Visitadores, was appointed to the Santa Barbara County Fair Board of Directors in 1990 by then-California Governor George Deukmejian, and was later elected President of the Board.

In 2001, Glines co-founded Community Bank of Santa Maria and served as President and Chief Executive Officer for many years before becoming the bank's Chairman of the Board, which he held until the time of his death.

Glines also appeared on countless television commercials for Community Bank of Santa Maria, many times riding a horse, befitting his lifelong equine passion.

As an auctioneer, Glines built a reputation as one of the finest in the business.

A graduate of the World Champion College of Auctioneering in Bakersfield, Glines was a former member of the Board of Directors of the California State Auctioneers Association and was named California State Champion Auctioneer in 2001.

Glines is survived by his wife Kathy, as well as four children and five grandchildren.