A man who lent money, advice and support to countless business owners in the Eastern Sierra died last Saturday. Jim Core

This photo of the animated Core was taken at his and Jo’s 50th wedding anniversary.

was 74. He was surrounded by family when he died at his home in Bishop after a long battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

When the banks wouldn’t help prospective business people in Inyo and Mono, Jim Core was there, gaining the moniker “The Secret Bank of Mammoth”. He was the founding CEO and President of the family-owned business, Inyo-Mono Title Company, located in Bishop and Mammoth from 1983 until his recent retirement.

Survivors include loving wife Jo Core of 57 years. Jim and Jo met in kindergarten in Paris, Arkansas, where Jim was born. They met up again in the early 1940s in Port Hueneme when they were juniors in high school. Relatives said their love was that of a lifetime.

Jim is also survived by son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Debbie Core of Bishop, daughter and son-in-law Judy and Rick Markham of Bishop, five grand children and four great grand children: Mike Core of Ventura, James Markham of Mammoth, Michelle Forbis of Bishop, Tyler Core of Bishop and Julie Core of Australia, Ryan and Eric Forbis of Bishop and Kadyn and Owyn Core of Ventura, plus countless friends and admirers.

Jim had a great sense of humor, and as family said, you would always find a smile on his face. He lit up any room he entered and never knew a stranger, they said. He was described as a devoted family man who loved to travel with Jo and their dog, Tibby. He liked Dollywood and The Grand Ole Opry. Jim loved golf and craps and a good game of poker.

Jim had worked in the title and escrow business since he was 18. He worked in Ventura, Concord and Merced before the family moved to Bishop. His two children continued the title and escrow work as have two grandchildren.

Private services were held on July 20 at Pioneer Cemetery in Bishop. A public memorial for Jim Core will soon be announced in Mammoth. Donations can be made to Renown Hospital Institute of Neuroscience, ALS Division, Attn: Lisa Jonkey, 10101 Double R. Blvd., Reno, NV 89521 or the Hospice of the Owens Valley.