James Arthur Longtin

James Arthur Longtin, 89, passed away peacefully May 14, 2026, surrounded by family in Arizona. Jim was born on August 21, 1936, in Green Valley, Minnesota.

Jim attend Central Catholic high school in Marshall, a member of the first senior class to graduate Central Catholic of 1954. He was regularly featured in Marshall’s newspapers, as an outstanding athlete, basketball and football, being a part of the Queensman squad, gaining All-State honors as a senior.

Jim followed his parents to California after graduation, and joined the US Marine Corp. Upon returning from Okinawa in 1957 with an honorable discharge, he received the National Defense Service Medal.

With the GI Bill, Jim was accepted to the University of San Diego Law School, graduating first in his class, and started his law career in 1962 with the firm Harwood, Hebernan, Soden and Corfman in Newport Beach, CA, passed the State Bar and admitted in 1963. In 1978 he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University, sponsored by the Alumni Board of Directors; a high honor for alumni distinguishing themselves in the legal field of land use who embody high ethical standards and commitment to community service.

During Jim’s tenure as the City Attorney of Lompoc, CA, in 1970, he created and implemented by the City of Lompoc, Deferred Compensation for City Employees (34 NIMLO Municipal Law Review 311, 1973), a method to defer income tax on current earnings until retirement. This tax shelter became so popular that Congress eventually made it available to the public as IRAs and 401k plans.

Most notably, Jim authored and self-published California Land Use Regulations, First Edition (1977) and Second Edition (1987). This publication has been authoritatively cited by all the courts including the U.S. and California Supreme Court. He discontinued active law practice in 1996, though continued to study and update Longtin’s Cal Land Use 2d annually, 2021 was his last published update.

During his law career, Jim held a position as City Attorney of Lompoc, CA; Thousand Oaks, CA; and La Quinta, CA; and served as an advisor and litigator for both private and public sector clients.

Throughout his life, Jim excelled and enjoyed a variety of sports and activities, including becoming a competitive handball and tennis player, and a life-member of the American Bridge Association. He enjoyed skiing and spending time with his family, practicing yoga, playing with his dogs, and could be found regularly on the golf course. Later in life he became a member of Scottsdale Bible Church, attended weekly services, and enjoyed reading about the life of Jesus.

Jim’s cherished memory is left to his brothers Joe Longtin (Rose), Richard Longtin and Paul Longtin (Christine); his children Jyl Longtin, Patrick Longtin (Juli), and Jane Artinian (David); four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved mother Irene Boudreau Longtin, his grandparents Arthur and Blanche Boudreau, his father Med Longtin, his sister Dianne Lindberg (Richard), his brother Arthur Longtin (Sandy); and sister-in-law Arlene Nunn Longtin.

Jim’s only dying wish was to return to Green Valley, MN, to be buried next to his grandparents Arthur and Blanche Boudreau, and his mother, Irene. A private family funeral and ceremony will be held later this fall.