James Howard L'Hommedieu Jr.

James Howard L'Hommedieu, Jr. Born in Oakland, CA, to James Howard L'Hommedieu and Lois Rowena Stonesifer, passed away on July 25, 2009 at the age of 89. He grew up in the East Bay, attending University High School in Oakland, and later the University of California, Berkeley, joining the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He met his wife-to-be, Gail Anne Hobson, in Soda Springs on New Year's Eve. Rumor has it they kissed at midnight before being formerly introduced! After graduating in 1942 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics, he joined the U.S. Army, was inducted into the Special Forces, and became fluent in the Bulgarian language. When plans to invade Europe through the Balkans were discarded, he was assigned as infantryman, joining the invasion force in France about a month after D Day 1945. Jim's extensive career in industrial real estate took him to the San Francisco Peninsula and San Jose at a lucrative time in its development. He conducted large contracts in the South Bay and developed industrial facilities on his own account. He held membership in Rotary and Society of Industrial Realtors, becoming president of the local SOIR chapter. He was well-known for his integrity, honesty and loyalty in business. Jim loved to trout fish along the streams of Northern California. He purchased a Day Sailor, "Sloop du Jour," spending many enjoyable hours sailing with his family. Then he found a passion for birding, traveling far and wide with Gail Anne to find that elusive "life bird." After a long hiatus, Jim resumed water color painting at the ripe young age of 85, clearly showing a dormant talent. He was also a most enthusiastic member of the Hoover Institution. After retiring in 1986, Jim and Gail Anne spent many happy years in Santa Rosa, CA. Gail Anne passed in 1996. Jim was a loving, caring and steadfast husband, father, grandpa, father-in-law and friend and rightly held the respect and admiration of his family, friends and business associates. He was truly the patriarch, and much loved. His family meant everything to him. He is survived by his daughters, Ann E. Graham, of Henderson, NV, Joan E. L'Hommedieu McKee (George), of Atherton, CA, and Gaie C. L'Hommedieu (Jay), of Santa Rosa, CA; and grandchildren James A. Graham, Matthew T. Graham and Adriana L'Hommedieu Abbe (Ryan). A Memorial Celebration will be held, Monday, August 17, 2009 at 1:00 pm at The Wild Oak Saddle Club, 550 White Oak Dr, Santa Rosa, CA. Private Inurnment. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice. Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral and Cremation Services (707) 525-3730