Search by Name

Search by Name

James William "Jim" Sylvia

James Sylvia Obituary

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, Jim Sylvia passed away at the age of 79 in Eureka, California at St. Joseph Hospital following a brief illness, with his family by his side. Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Sylvia, his son Jon Sylvia, his daughter and son-in-law Jan and Bill Gillespie, grandchildren Madison and Ryan Sylvia, and Jamie and Mathew Gillespie. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and her husband Patsy and David Laam. Jim was born November 23, 1931 in San Francisco, CA. Jim spent his early life living in foster care in the San Francisco, Sebastopol, and Brentwood areas. He attended Liberty and Analy High Schools. After high school, Jim spent two summers working for the California Division of Forestry in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. Jim attended Santa Rosa Junior College where he played linebacker and was named Captain for the Santa Rosa JC team. In 1952 during his sophomore year, Jim was drafted by the United States Army. While in the Army, Jim had the opportunity to play Army football. Shortly after Jim's entry in the Army, the U.S. Army formed a new special forces unit, and six months later Jim joined it. In doing so he became one of 700 men that became the original Special Operations Forces, later know as the Green Berets. After his service in the military, Jim attended the University of California at Santa Barbara where he played center on their football team and graduated with a degree in Physical Education. While attending college in Santa Barbara, Jim began life guarding and surfing at Carpinteria Beach. He continued life guarding at Stinson Beach in Marin County until 1972. As an early surf pioneer, he was the first to surf Wood Beach in Marin County, and later at the South Jetty in Humboldt County. While attending UC Santa Barbara, Jim met a young lady named Joan Zurcher. Jim and Joan were married in August of 1956, and spent the next 54 years together as husband and wife. Jim went on to attend San Francisco State University where he received a Master of Science degree in Health Education. While attending San Francisco State, Jim had the opportunity to wrestle at the San Francisco Olympic Club, where he was proud to have been fodder for many Olympians. It was through this participation that he learned the sport of wrestling. After graduating from San Francisco State, Jim got a teaching job at Flowery Elementary School in Sonoma and coached football at Sonoma High School. He then got a teaching job at Santa Rosa Junior College and coached football. In 1965 when College of the Redwoods was established, Jim became one of the original faculty members and taught and coached until he retired in 1997. Jim coached football, wrestling, and other sports. Jim started the College of the Redwoods wrestling program in 1966 and coached the team until 1978. Jim's teams captured five Golden Valley Conference dual meet championships. Jim was named Golden Valley Conference Coach of the Year four times. The athletes that Jim coached were very special to him and many have remained close friends. Jim was inducted into the College of the Redwoods Hall of Fame as a wrestling coach in 2004, and later as a member of the 1968 football team in 2008. In 2009, Jim received a Lifetime Service Award for his contributions to wrestling in the California Wrestling Hall of Fame. Jim always had an interest in the Japanese Samari and had the opportunity to stay in Japan where he earned a first degree black belt in the sword arts of Kendo. He went on to earn a third degree black belt in Kendo and a fourth degree black belt in the Japanese sword arts of Iaido. During his study of the Japanese sword arts, Jim traveled to Japan many times, as well as other European countries. Jim was also the leader for six U.S. Japan cultural exchange wrestling teams that competed throughout Japan. During his travels, Jim enjoyed and cherished the many friendships he made. During his retirement, Jim enjoyed watching and supporting College of the Redwoods athletics, as well as his grandchildren's sporting events. Jim was a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. You are invited to join family and friends celebrating Jim's life January 15, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at the Eureka Public Marina Wharfinger Building, #1 Marina Way, in Eureka. Care is under the care of Pierce Mortuary. Condolences may be left at www.piercemortuarychapels.com Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Sylvia

Not sure what to say?





Always the teacher - answering questions

December 21, 2010

Always the student - a study in motion

December 21, 2010

Chris Hawkins

December 18, 2010

Dear Joan,
I finally found the photo of Jim and the poker guys, some of whom have predeceased him. They had great fun joking and eating and sometimes even playing poker. When our girls were little they served snacks and the guys would tip them which the girls thought was really terrific. They always wanted to be home on poker nights - As I retreated to read in a bedroom I could hear the occasional roar from the living room - usually Jim was the loudest. It is a fond memory.
Please know that my thoughts are with you in this sad time.

December 17, 2010

Jim was a good friend, an awesome coach and a fearsome competitor. We at Sierra College have wonderful memories of wrestling trips to COR, tough matches and the trips home with cooked crab, from Boccis, strapped to the top of the van. Thanks Jim for all you have done for wrestling!

Our thoughts and prayers to Jim's family.
John Horrillo and the Sierra Wrestling Family

Rich Spinas

December 16, 2010

Joan and Family, it was sad to hear of Jim's passing but was glad I had a chance to talk with him while visiting the Old Town block party on July 4th. He still had that "extra firm" handshake in which I always expected a pull in,leg tackle take down and pin. His big smile could always bring a smile to others. He was always a joy to be around. He will be missed by so many.

Arthur Jones

December 14, 2010

To the most loving Sylvia family,
To me, Jim Sylvia was the most farout, fantastic, outspoken, realist wrestling coach anybody could ever encounter in their entire life. Coach Sylvia treated me with the utmost respect. Every tournament I ever went to he was always the President of the Referees Association, and he was running the referees in Humboldt and Del Norte.
I made sure that any time I walked through the doors of any wrestling event, I would go pay my respect to Coach Sylvia.
Coach Sylvia always treated me like family. He always talked to me like a dad would talk to his son.I'll never forget the attitude he gave me on how to be myself. Every time I encountered Coach, all he'd do is laugh loud and be proud.
Your dearest friend forever,
Arthur Jones, from Hoopa

Pat Meyer

December 14, 2010

Dear Joan,
I was sorry to read about the passing of your husband, Jim. My condolences to you and your family. I didn't know him that well, but we were in Sweet Adelines for years and talked about our families a lot. May the Lord help you during with trying time. Sincerely

December 14, 2010

On behalf of the California Wrestling Hall of Fame Executive Committee of which Jim was a member, we share our condolences in the loss of a good friend.
Jim was to be inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame in May, 2011 and he was thrilled to have been notified of this honor.
We will miss Jim. He was truly a gentlemen and a valued member of our executive committee.

Lynn Dyche
Director, CWHOF

Rick And Jackie Daniels

December 14, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

David Pacheco

December 13, 2010

Joan and Family,
I will NEVER forget all the bantering Jim and I had over the years. I particularly liked remiding him that I nor SCC had EVER lost to COR in wrestling. I don't think I ever told him I nor SCC ever wrestled them either. LOL. I am very fortunate to have known Jim. Roomed with him once or twice on trips as well. As sad as it is that Jim will not be with us as we knew him, he will always be in our memories and our hearts. We are so fortunate he had such a long and happy life.

matisse gholar

December 13, 2010

To Coach, thank you for the memories in japan. To the Sylvia family, thank you for sharing Coach. He was an amazing coach and a better Man.

Mark Martinez

December 13, 2010

Joan and family,

My heart goes out to each of you. Coach Sylvia helped shape my life and the lives of the many wrestlers he coached. With his help, I graduated from college, became teacher and a wrestling coach too. I will always carry fond memories of him and his antics both on and off the mat.

Maureen Slocum Bolton

December 13, 2010

Joan, Jon & Jan
So sad to hear of the loss of such a wonderful person who influenced and graced the lives of so many people. I count him as one of the major influences in my young life as a student & assistant to his wrestling program. He instilled too many things to list in my impressionable brain, things I will always be grateful for. Take care.

Lora Frediani Canzoneri

December 13, 2010

Mr. Sylvia was my Health Ed. teacher at COR in the Fall of 1971 when I was 17. I never saw him again, but I never forgot him. He was a very inspiring, dynamic educator. After almost 40 years, the positive impact that he had in my young life is still influencing me today. I wish his loved ones the comfort and joy of happy memories.

Ben Hawkins

December 13, 2010

Oh, Jimmy boy, what I would give to see your squinty-eyed smile and hear your giggle as we would pretend to wrestle one more time - both of us knowing full well that your protesting that this scrawny 150-pound weakling's attempt to pin you to the mat was a foolish impossibility. You were always a kind gentleman.

Moselle Ball

December 13, 2010

Dear Joan and Family,
I was very sorry to read of Jim's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You and Jim had a wonderful long life together. During this healing time, those memories will be more precious than ever. Let all your friends and family help you. God Bless you.

Lila Bollmann

December 12, 2010

Dear Joan and family,
My sincere sympathy to you during this time of deep and profound loss.
May you find comfort in each memory of Jim.

December 12, 2010

Mrs. Sylvia, Jon, Joan and Family,

Please accept our most sincere thoughts and prayers at this time. There have been few people who have had such a positive effect on the world as Jim. Coach Sylvia will be remembered as a man respected for both his leadership abilities and his commitment to making others lives better.

Bill Morris

December 12, 2010

Our condolences to the Sylvia family at this sad time. It was my pleasure to teach with Jim at College of the Redwoods for twenty-two years and play poker with him at Hawkins' for almost as long. It was never a dull game when Jim was in it.

Bill Morris and Nancy Cornelius (Eureka, CA)

December 12, 2010

Joan,Jon, Jan & family, Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Husband & Father Jim. Our families lived on the same block on Pine Hill for as long as I can remember. I even babysat Jon & Jan when they were just toddlers. My prayers are with your family at this very difficult time. Respectfully, Polly Fuller & family ( Bollmann)

larry brown

December 11, 2010

I was a student in one of Jim's classes, really liked him.I would meet him on the street or in a store and he always said hello, a great guy.
" Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Bill Hoopes

December 11, 2010

My condolences to you, Joan, and the Sylvia family at this sad time. I am very sorry for your loss. Jim will be sorely missed by his family and by so many in the community. I was fortunate to have known Jim first as my teacher at CR, later as a colleague, and then most importantly as a friend. When you get to surfers' heaven, Jim, waiting there will be your O'neil; the wave will be a Rincon right, warm and glassy and overhead, no one out except your buddies.

Keith and Peg Wheeler

December 11, 2010

So saddened by this news. Our best to Joan and the family. Jim will always be part of our memories of the early years of College of the Redwoods.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

Make a Donation
in James Sylvia's name

Memorial Events
for James Sylvia

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Sylvia's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more