James "Jim" Bunnell

August 15, 1947 - October 21, 2016

Born August 15, 1947 to Martha and James Bunnell, Jim moved to Santa Monica at three years old. As a child Jim was active as a Boy Scout, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout by the age of 15. While attending Santa Monica High, Jim with his high school Jazz band, The Serenaders, took first place at the LA County Battle of the Bands at the Hollywood Bowl in both 1964 and 1965. From there, he expanded his musical horizons into rock and roll. He sang as the front man in several successful local bands (The Inrhodes, Future, and Anno Domini) and during this period had the opportunity to play alongside notable artists including Jimmy Page, the Yardbirds and the Doors.

During his youth, Jim was also a talented and practiced artist. As a young man he helped his father run their family owned design and silk screening business, producing some of the more iconic black light posters of the 1960s-70s. When Jim was 18 however, his father passed away, requiring Jim to pursue his passions independently and care for his mother. Operating the family business alone and working as a musician, he devoted himself to his dream of becoming an architect.

At 19 he was accepted to the USC School of Architecture, wining multiple awards and scholarships during his time as a student. Throughout his career as an architect, he developed many large commercial buildings in Los Angeles, including the late Hollywood Park Casino, and designed several public housing complexes in the Skid Row neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Jim was undoubtedly most proud of his family. In 1984 he began a long and fruitful marriage to his wife that lasted 32 years until his time of passing. Along the way they had two sons who grew up attending local Manhattan Beach schools. Jim passed away at home surrounded by his family, after a long battle with kidney cancer. He never once complained, always smiled, and was forever stoked on Marine Street surf in front of his house.

Jim is survived by his wife (Laura) and his two sons (Dr. Mitchell Bunnell and Mason Bunnell). A gathering to celebrate is life will be held at the Bunnell house on November 19th (10:00am-2:00pm). For more information please visit jimbunnell.com.