James Sanders

1926 - 2018

James Sanders
Nov. 7, 1926 - Mar. 31, 2018
Monterey
From a stroke 6 years ago, he could not walk. . . now he can fly.
On March 31st, Jim went peacefully at home from the warm embrace of his loving wife, Maureen, to the warm embrace of God's arms. Prior to his stroke, he was the most vibrant of men.
Born & raised in Kansas City, Mo. After graduating from New Mexico Military Institute, he was stationed in the Philippines as a 17-year-old Lieutenant (jg) toward the end of WWII (1944-1947). He was, indeed, an "Officer and a Gentleman". He graduated from the University of Kansas with an engineering degree on the V-12 Program & then on to Stanford. Formed the partnership of Sanders & Sullivan Insurance Co. in San Jose with a classmate from NMMI. Married Mary Belton, and, together, raised their 5 children in Saratoga, Ca.
In 1982 he was appointed by President Reagan to serve as head of the Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C., where he had the honor & privilege to serve until 1986. He then joined the Beer Institute as President until 1991, the year that he and Maureen O'Day of Boston, Ma., were married and retired to Carmel.
In retirement he actively volunteered with many social & civic organizations. Church in the Forest in Pebble Beach was his spiritual home. Lunches with the "boys" at the Old Capital Club always included stimulating and thought-provoking conversations. . . dominoes anyone?
Jim always made time for his sporting life skiing, tennis, boating, swimming, biking, flying his plane, and golf. . . well, sort of. Maureen & Jim were fortunate to enjoy much traveling. Jim had a real zest for life and an endless curiosity about the world, space, history, art, music, and well. . . just about everything. He soaked it up like a sponge. Most enjoyable, though, were times spent with family and the added joy that 8 grandchildren can bring.
Maureen and family will be forever grateful for the outpouring of love and sympathy expressed. A special heartfelt "thank you" to caregivers, Nora, Susan, Kassandra, Enrique, and Hospice of the Central Coast. . . especially Nurse Matt. His God-Children Nora, Mark, Katlynn, and namesake, James, always brought so much joy and love. Those who knew Jim have expressed that he was the sweetest, kindest, smartest, coolest, lovingest husband, father, grandpa, and friend. We miss him, but are comforted in knowing that he is at peace with the Lord.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Church in the Forest, Pebble Beach, on Saturday, June 23rd at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests in memory of Jim, donations to Montage Health Foundation, In support of Hospice of the Central Coast, P. O. Box HH, Monterey, CA 93942.


View the online memorial for James Sanders