Firefighter Jim Niven, age 44, died on January 2, 1978 after being pinned under apparatus that crashed on the way to a call.

Jim was 15 year veteran of the  Larkspur Volunteer Fire Department and was also a past president of the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce.

“Jim Niven was a gentle, kind, smart, and devoted third generation nurseryman who raised roses and orchids, for the world to smell their wonderful fragrances and see their beauty,” notes Former Chief William “Bill” Lellis of the Larkspur Volunteer Fire Department. He ran a successful family business, which even supplied the roses for the wedding of President Nixon’s daughter, Tricia.

Jim is survived by wife, Lorraine, and two daughters, Cynthia and Patricia.