On February 2, 2024 George “Jim” Habib passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and closest friends.

Born on June 22, 1945 in Oxnard, Jim quickly developed a reputation for his penchant to conquer the unknown and to be involved in all things adventure. As a young man, he was often found fixing up old cars, sailing around Catalina Island or hitchhiking his way across the U.S and many parts of Europe. A devoted duty to his country, Jim enlisted in the Marine Corp in July of 1966 and shortly after, was deployed to Vietnam with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13 as an aircraft maintainer in Chu Lai.

Propelled for exploration, Jim moved to Humboldt County where he met his beloved wife of 48 years, Gloria Wood (nicknamed Jake), who was also searching for an untethered, fulfilling life many parts of the rugged North Coast of California offered. Establishing a budding life together, Jim was drawn to the ocean and began fishing in 1972 on the F/V Jumping Jack. Those that know Jim well, would not be surprised as he quickly became the skipper of his own boat, named the Shirttail until 1976, and then the legendary Challenger from 1977-2008. After many successful seasons, as well as some breathtaking moments, he was always known to be one of the first to go out and the last one to come back, earning his nickname, “White Water Jim”.

In 2008, a major winter storm tested Jim’s fortitude once again as the Challenger was ripped from its moorings and subsequently beached and ultimately destroyed. Later, he was quoted in the Times-Standard for saying, ”It was still upright, wallowing around, but it was done.” Despite this tragedy, Jim forged ahead by building his prized fishing vessel, aptly named the Defender. Still to this day, Jim’s influence can be felt throughout Humboldt’s tight-knit fishing community and echoed on the original Trinidad pier.

Jim’s passionate curiosity and innate nature to reveal the wonders of the world to those he held dearest, are reflected in his daughters and granddaughter’s willingness to capture life to the fullest. He will always be remembered for lending a hand to those in need, from towing wayward fishermen back to harbor, to being a steady hero in his daughter’s lives. He was always ready and willing in the moments that mattered no matter how big or small.

Jim’s legacy will be his kind heart, honest nature, pride in workmanship, and his unconditional love for his daughters, granddaughters, and beloved wife.

Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gloria “Jake” Habib, daughters Corinna Mosher (Habib) and JoAnna Pifferini (Habib), granddaughters Cleo Pifferini and Josie Pifferini, sons in-law Tim Mosher and Travis Pifferini, sister Linda Liker, nieces Amy Moore, Heidi Barrett and nephew Karl Lepper.A celebration will be held July 13 at 1 p.m. at the Trinidad Town Hall after the scattering of Jim’s ashes at sea. This will be a time for family and friends to honor, share stories and celebrate the legend of Jim Habib.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jim Habib’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.