Jimmie's tradition a reason to give thanks

A decades-old Thanksgiving tradition in Willows was resurrected this year after a two-year absence.

Jimmie's Thanksgiving, founded by Willows icon Jimmie McDaniel in 1951, was sorely missed by the community during its two-year hiatus, said Rose Marie Thrailkill, the event's main organizer this year.

"I'm just so happy we're able to bring it back and Jimmie can be here to greet people at the door just like always," Thrailkill said.

Nearly 250 dinners were served Thanksgiving Day, Thrailkill said.

"And we're going to do it again next year," McDaniel said.

McDaniel, who founded Willows longest running taxi service, "Jimmie's Cabs" in 1951, began the turkey day tradition the same year by delivering home-cooked meals to elderly and disabled shut-ins, said Bob Barnes.

Barnes and his wife, Jeannie, took over both the taxi business and the dinner when McDaniel retired in 1994, Barnes said.

"We ran it every year until we lost the (county transportation) contract in 2006," Barnes said.

The loss of the valuable government contract forced the taxi service out of business and the dinner tradition nearly died with it, he said.

"That's why it's such a fantastic thing that (Thrailkill) is doing by bringing it back," Jeannie Barnes said. "It's really put a thrill in Jimmie's spirits too."

Thrailkill said most of the food and drinks were purchased locally and said everybody left with leftovers.

"Nothing went to waste and everybody commented that they really enjoyed the food," Thrailkill said.

The menu included turkey and all of the trimmings like stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls and pumpkin pie.

Donations were accepted, but not required, Thrailkill said.

"Next year, we expect it to be even bigger and better," she said.

Contact Rob Parsons at 934-6800 or rparsons@tcnpress.com.