Gerald L. James (Jim) passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on April 7, 2022 at his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was born December 28, 1922 in Friona, Texas to Charles and Vera James.
Jim is preceded in death by Millie, his wife of 59 yeas, his sisters Dimple, Iris, Iona and Noretta and brother, C.W.
He is survived by daughters Vicki (husband Mike) and Cindy (husband Dave); granddaughters Alicia,
Natalie, Erin and Rachel and 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was raised on his family’s farm and attended high school and college in Texas. He joined the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California in 1943. There he was given the nickname “Jim”. He was discharged in May, 1946. He married Millie a month later.
In 1949 Jim and Millie moved to Reseda, California where they raised two daughters. For many years he worked in construction and building inspection. Jim later worked for Bank of America and retired as a vice president in 1985.
Jim and Millie then spent four years traveling in their RV throughout the United States, making lasting friends wherever they went. After their travels they called Dayton, Nevada home in 1989 where they lived for 14 years, adding to that list of friends.
In 2003 they moved to Apache Junction, Arizona where they settled into Bonita Vista Park and eventually made a “family” of amazing friends who eventually joined in celebrating his 90th and 95th birthday.
In May 2021 Jim moved to a condo in Mesa, Arizona under the care of his daughter Vicky until his passing.
Jim will be remembered as the man with unlimited patience a ”Jack of all trades”, who loved RVing and fishing with his wife, playing all sorts of card games with friends and family and sharing the love of golf that he had for many years with friends that he kept forever. He was always known as a gentleman.
To his family he will always be remembered as being appreciative, caring, loving, patient and giving.
A private family graveside “celebration of love“ will be held at a later date.
Donations may be sent to a veteran’s charity of your choice as Jim was proud to have served for his country.
We will forever hold you in our hearts Grandpa. You have left such a special mark on us all, especially me. I love you & miss you so much. Tell Grandma I said hello and I love & miss her too. Thank you for being my angel❤️❤️ Love Forever, Nat