Obituaries

James Eiland, retired correctional counselor II

James Eiland, a retired correctional counselor II, passed away Jan. 19, 2025.

James Eiland, a retired correctional counselor II.
James Eiland

He began his career as a correctional counselor at Avenal State Prison in May 1989.

Eiland then promoted to correctional counselor II at Wasco State Prison-Reception Center in March 1995.

He remained at the institution until retiring in July 2004.

“James will be missed by all those who knew and worked with him throughout his career,” according to a statement issued by the institution.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Jan. 31, at the West Side Cemetery District in Taft.


Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

Curtis Hevener, retired correctional officer

Curtis Hevener, a retired correctional officer, passed away May 6, 2026. He began his career with the department in 1993,…

KVSP mourns passing of Officer Raul Carrillo

Raul Carrillo, a correctional officer at Kern Valley State Prison, passed away May 7, 2026. He worked for the department…

Eugene Albitre, retired Native American Spiritual Leader

Eugene Albitre, a retired Native American Spiritual Leader from North Kern State Prison, passed away May 6, 2026. He worked…

SCC mourns passing of Officer Michael Maness

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) in Jamestown is mourning the May 6, 2026, passing of Correctional Officer Michael Maness. Services will…

Carlos Borges, retired correctional sergeant

Carlos Borges, a retired correctional sergeant, passed away April 29, 2026. He worked for the department for 24 years before…

CIM mourns loss of Catherine Sanchez, supervising cook

Catherine Sanchez, a correctional supervising cook at California Institution for Men (CIM), passed away April 23, 2026. She dedicated 26…