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Dennis Ja Obituary
Oct. 11, 1951 - June 10, 2016
Resident of San Ramon
Dennis passed away on Friday after an unexpected fall on the tennis court. He touched many lives with his infectious smile, gentle spirit and positive outlook on life. Dennis was born in San Francisco, CA and graduated from Lowell High School and earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of the Pacific. His pharmacy career included 17 years at Longs and 23 years at Danville Walgreens. He enjoyed tennis, swimming, snowboarding, camping, mountain biking and spending time with his family. Dennis was an avid fan of Bay Area sports teams.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 43 yrs, Donna; devoted children Greg Ja(Takae) of Dublin and Cindy Ja(Michael Javier) of Santa Clara; and grandsons, Justin and Sebastian Ja, and Lucas, Liam and Lawson Javier. He is also survived by his mother May Ja of San Francisco; siblings Ronald Ja(Rebecca) of San Francisco; Joanne Ja(Harry Ja-Wong) of San Francisco and Steven Ja(Pearl) of San Jose; mother-in-law May Quan of San Francisco, and sisters-in-law, Carol Yee(William), Patricia To, Dianna Tong(Ronald); and numerous nephews and nieces. Dennis was preceded in death by his father William Ja. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial on Friday, June 17, 2016, 10am - 12pm at Graham-Hitch Mortuary, 4167 First St, Pleasanton, CA 94566. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Yosemite Conservancy in memory of Dennis Ja, at yosemiteconservancy.org.
View the online memorial for Dennis Ken Ja
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Ja
Sponsored by East Bay Times.
Eric Lee
December 18, 2022
Was just thinking about Dennis as I ran across this photo, Dennis and I used to get up and play at
Chinese Playground early on Sat mornings he was my doubles partner and in the photo we won a tournament together. He was such a great guy to be around and glad he remained that person all his life.
neal newman
December 11, 2016
I found out about Dennis's passing this afternoon at Walgreens.
He was a wonderful man who was always ready to answer questions. He took the time to provide important information about different medicines.
Quite often I relied on him to make decisions and always listened to his advice.
I offer condolences.
May his memory be a Blessing.
Ronald De Angelo
July 18, 2016
To the family of Dennis Ja, I will miss Dennis' smile as a Friend at Wallgreens Pharmacy. Dennis would greet me no matter how busy he was filling scripts and have mine ready without requiring me to give my information. What a fine guy and a very fine casual Friend!!!! I will miss Dennis! Rest in Peace, my Friend! Ron De Angelo, Danville,CA [email protected]
July 5, 2016
July 5th:
I just found out today about Dennis while at San Ramon Olympic pool. I have to say that I am still in shock and can't believe this has happened. For the past 15 years or so I have seen Dennis at the pool once or twice a week for lap swimming. Always promptly at 11 am, and always with a big smile to see his many pool friends. He was a joy to know and was always interested in what everyone was doing, but when asked about his news; it was always about family, but most often about his grandchildren. He was proud of his life and his family, and it showed in everything he said. I retired 18 months ago and he would talk about his own plans for retirement and what that would look like. More time for family, swimming, tennis, and travel. He was looking forward to it but had questions. I can't tell you how I will miss his wonderful smile and friendly nature at the pool. All of us there are saddened by his passing, as he touched our lives weekly and we will treasure those memories.
I hope heaven has a pool for you to enjoy. All of your friends will be with you there in spirit!
Rest in peace dear friend!
Andy Rowland
Sharon Noe
July 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dennis's family. I was saddened to hear this. I worked as a pharmacy tec with him years ago at Longs in Oakland. We had a good time there and Dennis was such a nice sweet person. I'm sure he will be missed!
Sharon Noe'
Calvin Clack
June 29, 2016
I only found out about Dennis' passing yesterday when I went to pick up my meds and saw a small memorial with Dennis' picture in the pharmacy area. Dennis, who is a little younger than I am, and I used to talk about retirement being right around the corner for the both of us. I met him several years back when I switched pharmacies from Longs/CVS to Walgreens after becoming disillusioned with CVS personal attention to the customer. Dennis was exactly the opposite, always striking up a conversation, time permitting, but always took time to say hello by first name. Dennis was one of a kind and I feel lucky to have crossed paths with him in the short time I knew him. My heartfelt condolence goes out to his family and friends.
Mark A. Faber
June 27, 2016
Dear Ja family
I was saddened today upon learning the news of your loved one, Dennis' passing. Although I was not a personal friend, each time I interacted with Dennis at Walgreen's he made it personal. I looked forward to seeing him, each and every time I went to pickup a prescription and was always disappointed if he wasn't there to say hi. My sincere prayers are with you at this time of grief. Dennis will always be fondly remembered in my heart.
Sue Tulis
June 23, 2016
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Dennis. He was so friendly and he did a wonderful job at Walgreens. I will truly miss him.
Sue Tulis
Karen Stein
June 22, 2016
We were so saddened to hear of Dennis' accident. He was such a kind, friendly and helpful man. We will miss seeing him...he was our pharmacist for over 20 years.
Karen and Dr. Andrew Stein
Gina Drakes
June 22, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear about Dennis. He helped keep my dad's prescriptions organized - and he was so patient with my questions.
To the Ja family: Please know that Dennis made a difference in the lives of all he touched. His quiet professionalism was calming and appreciated.
To the Walgreens family: Dennis' legacy is the great customer service he and you provide your many customers.
He will be missed. My condolences.
June 18, 2016
My only contact with Dennis was at Walgrens. He was a very nice, gentle, man. I always looked for him when I was there to pick up a prescription.
I'll miss his smiling face and helpful manner.
I'm sorry for your loss.
With sympathy, Bruce.
Michael Anne Fryer
June 17, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dennis' family and his "family" at Walgreens. May you find peace in your hearts and know that you are thought of by so many who thought so highly of Dennis. God bless you and bring you peace.
Nicci, Jeff, Hannah and Drew
June 17, 2016
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about the passing of Uncle Dennis. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies...our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.
The Tuma family
June 16, 2016
We are so sad to hear this. Dennis will be truly missed at Walgreens. He was always so patient and sweet to our entire family. Rest in peace and many blessings to his family.
Mar, Kerry & Family
June 16, 2016
To the Ja Family: We are so sadden by the loss of a wonderful son, brother,father, grandfather, uncle and husband. We will remember and cherish the 40+ years of friendship and rich memories our families shared. Love Mar & Kerry Nic, Jeff & Family
KATHLEEN LA HONTA
June 15, 2016
DENNIS WAS A VERY GOOD MAN. I WAS HIS PATIENT AT
WALGREENS FOR MANY YEARS, HE WAS KNOWLEDGABLE
KIND AND MOST CONSIDERATE.
HE AND I GREW UP IN SAN FRANCISCO AND SPOKE ABOUT
THIS OFTEN.
DENNIS CONTRIBUTED TO ALL.
DENNIS SO LOVED HIS FAMILY.
IN SYMPATHY, KATHLEEN
Sue Giacomini
June 15, 2016
Dennis was our pharmacist for over 20 years....he was always so personable, gentle and truly caring-always called me by name. He was the one I always hoped to see when I went to the pharmacy.
He had compassion and would jump through hoops for you without a second thought....we will miss him terribly. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Greg Ja
June 15, 2016
Love you Dad
Gordon Ng
June 15, 2016
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of the brother of my schoolmate and good friend Dr. Steven Ja. Although I never met Dennis, I heard many good things about him through Steve, of his dedication to his family and pharmacy career, of how healthy he was, how he always ate healthy, as well as how he was actively involved in many sports and outdoor activities. He will be sadly missed, but he is in a better place now.
Whenever I hear of a death of a close friend or relative, I always reflect upon my own life, and think of how precious but short life is, of how I should make adjustments to my own life so that I can fulfil what I need to do during this temporary stay on earth, and to spend valuable time with loved ones and close friends, before I move on. I think that we should all reflect upon that!
AL
June 15, 2016
My sincere condolences to the bereaved family at this most difficult time. May you be comforted by reflecting on the many beautiful memories that you can cherish forever.
Rol & Rachel Wong
June 14, 2016
We love you Uncle Dennis and miss you so so much! You hold a special place in our hearts always.
Janice Kidd
June 14, 2016
Dennis was a truly gracious,and exceptional individual. I had the pleasure of working with him on my many pharmacy related issues, and he was always the 'Best'.
He will be missed!
My condolences to you,his family and friends, this must be very very hard to time.
The Staff of Graham-Hitch Mortuary
June 13, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Graham-Hitch Mortuary4167 First Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566-6705
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