The mysterious disappearance of James J. Arthur at Iron Lakes

Wilderness DisappearancesCaliforniaIron LakesJames J. Arthur

Dec 18

James J Arthur disappeared July 28, 2008, Iron Lakes, Madera County, California.

Revised January 2024

Decorated veteran James “Jim” Arthur, 67, was last seen in Madera County, California, on Monday, July 28, 2008. He told his family he was hiking to fish and take pictures in the Star Lakes area. He also said to stop in Big Sandy for lunch and return home. His family expected him to return by nightfall, but he was heard from again.

The trip to Star Lakes

Jim took a red backpack, a camera (Olympus model SP-55OUZ with 7.1 MP and 18X Optical) and a cane on his hike. He may have also been carrying a pistol with a snake shot loaded in case of rattlesnakes.

Arthur was an experienced hiker with no health problems besides knee pain. He was a graduate of Fresno State, a decorated Veteran, and a retired Air National Guard Lieutenant who had previously been the spokesman for the 144th Fighter Wing.

He was 6'0, 189 pounds and wearing a light jacket, an orange t-shirt, blue jeans and a straw hat. He also had gray hair and brown eyes.

The search for Jim Arthur

When Jim didn’t return on July 28, as expected, family members contacted the authorities, and a search of the Star Lakes area began. Unfortunately, there was no sign of Arthur, but his dark blue four-door Dodge Ram truck was found near the entrance of Iron Lakes Reservoir, southeast of Star Lakes, on July 29. The truck was parked on the Beasore Road, near the Beasore Meadows. The authorities said there were no indications of foul play at the scene where the vehicle was found.

Iron Lakes is located southeast of Star Lakes and is a 14.4-mile drive. Two people had reported seeing Jim on a steep trail to Iron Lakes and said they stopped and spoke with him a little. They said he was hiking towards Iron Lakes and had stopped to rest.

Over 100 Search and rescue team members took part in the search, focusing on the many lakes in the area: Bear Island Lake, Junction Lake, Iron Lake Trailhead and Grizzly Lake. As can be seen from the picture above, most of these are small bodies of water.

What Happened to Jim Arthur?

Jim’s truck was found, and other hikers on the Iron Lakes trail saw him. No evidence or remains has ever turned up in the 12 years since he disappeared. He was a senior military vet, and how did he go missing despite an extensive search? He intended to go for a day hike and fish. Did he wander off-trail and get lost, drown in one of the many lakes?

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