Jim B. Lusk; Seminis Petoseed Sales Manager

Ventura resident Jim B. Lusk has died after a long battle with lung cancer. He was 59.

Lusk, who died March 10, was born Dec. 9, 1939, in Fortuna and had been a Ventura County resident for 25 years.

Lusk graduated from Fresno State University with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture in 1965.

He began his career as a technical projects administrator for Hunt-Wesson Foods before going to work in 1974 for Petoseed, a Saticoy seed company that is now part of Seminis Inc., the world’s largest vegetable seed company.

Lusk went on to become a sales manager for Seminis Petoseed Brand in North America and often spoke at food-processing events and meetings.

“The people who worked with Jim over the 25 years he was with the company had great respect for him and are well aware he was one of the most remarkable and knowledgeable people in the industry,” said Alejandro Rodriguez-Graue, president of Seminis.

Lusk was an avid fisher and traveled often with his son to Montana and Canada. He also enjoyed landscaping and gardening at his home.

Lusk is survived by his parents, Mose and Jean Lusk of Sacramento, his son, Sterling Lusk of Newark, Calif.; and a sister, Linda Carlson of Pennsylvania.

The Rev. Steve Kaas will lead a memorial service at 1 p.m. today at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Cancer Center of Ventura County on North Rose Avenue in Oxnard.