James Ross

1925 - 2018

James Ross II

Oct. 2, 1925 - July 19, 2018

James Ross passed away peacefully on July 19 at Emerald Hills Care Home in Redwood City, Calif. He was 92.

James Ross II was born on Oct. 2, 1925 to James Madison Ross and Ethel Donovan Ross in Oakland. He spent his boyhood in Manila, Philippines, an experience giving him a lifelong curiosity and passion to explore the world. He traveled the globe at a time when globe-trotting was rare. From Brazil to Great Britain, Malaga to Mexico, on to Japan, Iran and India, and Italy—the proud, stubborn Scot was a hopeless Italophile. Venice was his favorite town.

The Ross family, including Jim's beloved older sisters, Nancy Jane Ross of San Francisco, and Betsy Ross Walker of Carmel, spent the years leading up to World War II in Palo Alto. Jim attended Menlo School and Stanford University. The family relocated to New York during the war and Jim graduated from New York University with a degree in English. NYU was a magical place, opening his eyes to fine art, food, and the Metropolitan Opera.

When he wasn't aboard a boat, train or plane, Jim was a successful financier. He spent decades at San Francisco's Crocker Bank, retiring as a vice president and senior trust officer. He treasured his years living in San Francisco, where he pursued his passion for music as a devoted patron of the San Francisco opera and symphony.
Jim was the family historian, humorist, art critic, storyteller and tour guide. His nieces, Nancy Walker Low, of Chestertown, Md., and Margaret "Meg" Walker, of San Francisco, called him "Bud." He was their beloved, smart uncle.
Bud's tales of past expeditions inspired his great-niece, Elizabeth Low Bertoni, of New York, N.Y., and his great-nephew, William Robinson Low of San Diego, to live lives of openness and adventure. Bud had a special relationship with his nephew-in-law, William H. Low, as well as his great-nephew-in-law, Steven R. Bertoni, and great-niece-in-law, Sarah Low. He joyfully welcomed the arrival of his great-grandnephew and niece.
Bud retired to Foster City. His home, shared with companion Lisa Tough, was filled with good friends, Asian antiques and opera on the radio--unless his S.F. Giants or 49ers had a game.
Then there were the dogs. Over several decades, Jim owned eight Airedale terriers, - Ocho is the latest.
He is remembered and celebrated by those he leaves behind: niece Nancy W. Low and spouse William H. Low; niece Margaret Walker; great-niece Elizabeth L. Bertoni and spouse Steven Bertoni; great-nephew William R. Low and spouse Sarah Low; great-grandnephew Nicholas L. Bertoni and great-grandniece Isabelle R. Bertoni; dear friends Lisa Tough and Ann Dahl.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister Nancy J. Ross; sister Betsy R. Walker and spouse Robert B. Walker. Always the gracious gentleman, Jim lived a full life, teaching us the values of living in the moment and the importance of generosity.
Donations may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 151200,
San Rafael, CA 94915-1200, 800-295-4050 or online, or to San Francisco Opera, Joo Eun Lee, 301 Van Ness Ave, SF, CA 94102, 415-551-6244.