James G. Boornazian

11/14/1921 - 02/07/2011

BOORNAZIAN, James G.

November 14, 1921 -
February 7, 2011

Jimmy Boornazian, son of
George M. Boornazian and Rose Hagopian
Boornazian, was born
November 14, 1921, in
Fowler, CA. He grew up on
a small vineyard and
decided at an early age that, much as he loved his Dad, he did not want to be a farmer. He had a thirst for education and began his college studies in 1939 at Reedley Junior College where he played football and earned the nickname "Breezy" for his speed and agility. He also earned spending money from an ardent football fan who paid him $1 for each touchdown he made. In World War II, he was a navigator, flying in B-24's with the 15th Air Force in Italy. The 451st Bomb Group was on a bombing run in February, 1944, when his plane was shot down over Yugoslavia while on a mission to Regensburg. He parachuted safely from the plane, got hung up in a tree, and had the good luck to have been rescued by some of Tito's Partisans. He remained with them for about three months, running and staying one step ahead of capture until the group who rescued him finally reached Tito's headquarters. From there he was flown to Bari, Italy, and, eventually, reached home. His plane was the last one out of that airfield before it was shut down by the German Army. The G.I. bill allowed him to attend U.C. Berkeley and he graduated in 1949. In 1950, he was recalled for the Korean War and flew the airlift between Hawaii and Japan. After returning home, he followed a childhood dream by attending night school at San Francisco Law School. After being admitted to the California Bar, he opened his own law practice in Oakland, CA. He loved the law practice and became a very successful trial attorney. For many years, his was a one-man practice but his increasing caseload required additional attorneys and ultimately led to the establishment of the Boornazian, Jensen, and Garthe Law Firm in Oakland, CA.
After retiring he enjoyed fishing, reading, travel, and just loafing. He never forgot his gratitude for the G.I. bills that allowed him follow his dream and, to the end of his life, remained thankful for the life he led. He was an extraordinarily generous husband, father, and grandfather who helped those he loved to achieve their education and pursue their dreams, too. He is survived by his wife, Lorean Boornazian; daughter, Jill Boornazian; granddaughters, Kelly and Ani Haas; and his son-in-law, Lu Haas. All of us will miss him and we'll miss his zest for living. There will be a simple, private family memorial service at graveside on Friday at the Washington State Veterans' Cemetery in Medical Lake. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210 or the Spokane Valley Food Bank, PO Box 141360, Spokane Valley, WA 99214.