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James Ditch Obituary

James Andrew Ditch Jim Ditch died on September 24, 2009 after an extended illness. He was at home with his family. Jim was born on June 26, 1947 in the Panama Canal Zone. He lived most of his adult life as a resident of San Pedro, CA. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Jennifer; son-in-law, David Malinofsky; son, James; daughter-in-law, Jensina Ditch; grandsons, Schroeder and Delano; and granddaughter, Sara Malinofsky. Surviving a lso is his brother, Tom of Chino Hills and half-brother, Bruce of Cummings, GA. He lived 62 wonderful years. If you missed him, you really missed something. His career took him from selling motor homes as a college student in California through various manufacturing and sales experiences moving his young family from Pennsylvania, back to California, to Hawaii, and to Northern California before coming to public transit in Santa Monica and then Long Beach. He retired after nineteen years from Long Beach Trans it in January 2008 as Executive Director of Maintenance and Facilities. He made many contributions to the field. He holds two U.S. patents for the invention of securement devices for wheelchairs. Jim instigated a mentor program with hands-on learning for students of heavy duty mechanical and automotive repair from local community colleges. He helped begin a now statewide consortium of transit agencies to improve training availability and standards in the industry (SCRTTC). He had been honored by LBT with th e James A. Ditch Maintenance Facility and Learning Center. He had a passion for fostering the careers of young people and creating high standards of quality in mechanical maintenance for public transit. But most significantly, he is remembered for the fun and pleasure he brought to any endeavor, meeting work, or golf game, to colleagues, family and friends. The stories told about him often lead to laughter. Jim's love of people and heartfelt caring made all of us feel better for being around him. The love h e gave came back ten-fold in the love he received during his illness. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1648 W. 9th St., San Pedro, CA on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SCRTTC Po Box 731 Long Beach, CA 90801 Attn: James A. Ditch Scholarship Fund to benefit community college vocational students. Green Hills Mortuary (310) 831-0311

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press-Telegram on Sep. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ditch

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sara malinofsky

September 14, 2010

I always thought of him as a grandfather, and i miss him so much. love, Sara malinofsky

Tony Saavedra

October 1, 2009

James, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have so many fond memories of you, and we have this good man to thank for your being. I think of you from time to time, and I always hope you are well. I feel for you especially at this time. My sympathies to you and your family.

Bud Antisdel

September 30, 2009

May the memories bless you and your family, Bud Antisdel ,maint. 68th st.

September 29, 2009

So sorry to hear about this. I have fond memories of him. I'm thinking about you guys. I know loosing your father is one of the hardest things ever. I hope the strong bond and love your family has will bring you some comfort.

Rina Young

September 29, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Love,
Gina Antonovich

Ruth Firestone

September 28, 2009

Carolyn, James and Jennifer -
It's hard to comprehend that someone so "full of life" is no longer with us. I will truly miss Jim, but am so happy he shared you and your family with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ruth & Evan

September 28, 2009

Carolyn: Polly joins me sending warm, heartfelt condolences. We have enjoyed dancing with you and laughing and sharing a few tears here and there. We smile at Jim's photo in today's Press-Telegram. Peace be with you. Craig Cross

Michelle Diggs Thompson

September 28, 2009

Dear Carolyn and family, I am so sorry to hear of James' passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God bless you all,
Michelle

September 28, 2009

Carolyn, Jennifer, James, Jensina, Schroeder and Delano,
Jim was a wonderful person and one of the kindest people I have ever met. He was so welcoming and easy to talk to. We will miss him so much and are thinking of all of you.
Love
Dave and Julie Ursic

Sandy Hutto

September 28, 2009

Carolyn, Jennifer and James, my heart is heavy for you all and I will so miss my Uncle Jim! I have such fond memories growing up and visiting you all in Pennsylvania as well San Pedro. Jim always made me smile and laugh and he will truly be missed. All my love!

Bernie Flores

September 28, 2009

Caroyln and Family, I am so sorry and so very sad to hear the passing of James. I have so many fond memories of James and the Ditch Family, growing up with them in the 60's and knowing the family for over 40 years. He had such a great sense of humor and an intelligent man. God bless you James, you will be missed by all.

Your friend

Bernie Flores
Bakersfield, CA

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