Robert Stanley "Stan" James

On October 3, 2013, at the age of 102, R. Stanley James ("Stan") passed away peacefully in his beloved home with his niece Joan by his side. Stan was born on March 19, 1911 in Sacramento at 24th and K Streets. He was the son of Edwin Lynham James and Florence (Bays) James. His older brother and best friend was John Lynham James. When Stan was two years old, his mother passed away. His father later married Florence (Hildreth) James and another brother, Richard, was born to the family. Stan spent his early years in East Sacramento. In 1920, his family purchased a home in the new neighborhood of Curtis Park. Stan attended Sierra Elementary School and Sacramento High School. In 1941, Stan married the love of his life, Ann (Maney) James and they enjoyed 48 happy years together until Ann's passing in 1989. They were original homeowners in the Sacramento neighborhood of Arden Park and Stan lived in this home until his passing. A decorated World War II veteran, Stan served in the Army as a Master Sergeant in charge of radio operations. He was awarded a Bronze Star for action at Leyte in the Philippines. After the war, Stan enjoyed a long career in stationary sales, making many friends throughout his sales territory, from Sacramento to Red Bluff, Redding, Chico and over to Reno. He retired from International Paper Company. After retirement he and Ann enjoyed many trips and golf games together. Stan was an avid golfer and enjoyed the game with his wife, brothers and good friends. He continued to play golf well into his nineties. In his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and he loved the ocean, especially Dillon Beach. In recent years, Stan focused on his love of gardening and was proud of maintaining his large, manicured yard. His favorite sport was baseball and he was a big fan of the Oakland Athletics and Sacramento River Cats. Stan was a founding member of Saint Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Sacramento. He was a past member of Sons In Retirement, Fort Sutter Branch #14 and the Sacramento Men's Golf Club. In addition to his niece Joan (James) Kuzmich and her husband, Joe, Stan is survived by several grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. He was especially fond of his grandniece Colleen (Kuzmich) Curtin, husband Tom, and grandnephew Michael Kuzmich, wife Amy and their families. Stan will be fondly remembered by all who knew him; he was honest, kind, and a true gentleman. The family shared a special bond and love with our Uncle Stan and will miss his wisdom and sense of humor. We could always count on him to call it like he saw it. We will remember him always. Friends are invited to attend a Rosary Vigil Service on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7pm at W.F. Gormley & Sons Chapel, 2015 Capitol Ave. and a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11am at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, 3235 Arden Way. Stan will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery, next to his wife, privately with military honors. Donations preferred to Loaves and Fishes and Sacramento Food Bank.