James W. Longman

1944 - 2009

Funeral services for James W. Longman, 65, of Brentwood, Calif., were held Nov. 4 in Walnut Creek, Calif., the Rev. Dr. Joanna Truelson officiating. Mr. Longman died in Berkeley, Calif., Oct. 30, 2009.
Carol Longman Kirschenbaum gave the opening prayer, and Robert Longman gave the eulogy. Scripture was read by Eleanor Longman, Caitlin Kirschenbaum, Katherine Longman and Elizabeth Longman. Antoinette Longman gave the closing prayer.
Music included the congregational hymn "Faith of Our Fathers."
Pallbearers were Robert W. Longman, Benjamin Y. Longman, Evan Brewer, George W. M. Longman, Andrew Kirschenbaum and Paul Freitas.
Interment was in Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, Calif.
James Watson Longman was born Feb. 1, 1944, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to William McQuilkin and Eleanor Elizabeth (Watson) Longman.
The family made their home in Shenandoah, at the end of World War II, where he attended school and graduated with the Class of 1962. He furthered his education at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, and the University of Iowa.
He was a chartered life underwriter for the Equitable of Iowa and New England Life.
He and Mary Frances Younggren of Red Oak were married Sept. 1, 1973, and eventually moved to Orinda, Calif., where they lived for 31 years and raised their six children.
Mr. Longman served as a Boy Scout leader and in the Educational Foundation of Orinda of which he was a past president and initiated the major donor campaign. He was a member of Rotary International, as were his father and grandfather before him.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Longman of Brentwood, Calif.; six children, Benjamin Younggren Longman, Elizabeth Anne Longman, Katherine Frances Longman, Antoinette Marie Longman, Eleanor Sophia Longman and George McQuilkin Longman.
He is also survived by his aunt and husband, Ann and Andy Enevoldsen of Grand Island, Neb.; uncle, James R. Longman of Grand Island; sister and husband, Carol and Peter Kirschenbaum of Sparta, N.J.; brother and wife, Robert and Ellen Longman of Sidney; nephew Andrew Kirschenbaum of Sparta, N.J.; nieces Caitlin Kirschenbaum of Bloomington, Ind., and Molly Longman of Sidney; and many other relatives.