James Michael "(Jim)" Damiano
James Michael "(Jim)" Damiano
Obituary
Guest Book
James Damiano Obituary
Playing up and down the states of California and Nevada, he settled down in Stockton where he worked at the Music-Go-Round music store for over 22 years. He took his love of teaching to the San Joaquin Delta College where he taught adult summer guitar courses for many years. Jim and the love of his life Lizzie had two bands in the area; Lizzie and Her Cadillac Kings, as well as their duo, Heart of Soul where they played much of the Lodi winery circuit and many other venues.
Jim was an avid musician, a talented painter, and a God-loving man. He will be remembered for his talents, tenderheartedness, kindness, patience, mentorship, and generous love. Jim leaves behind his wife, his daughter, two stepdaughters, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren, many friends, fellow musicians, and students all of whom he loved deeply.
Jim's love and music will transcend for generations to come. We will love and miss him forever, which doesn't seem nearly long enough.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 4910 Claremont Avenue, Stockton, CA on Thursday, September 8th at 4 pm. The service will also be available to watch via live stream at www.standrewsstockton.org.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jen
October 20, 2025
Exciting things are in the air, and we are always talking about you. Can´t wait for you to see the fruits of our labor from up there
Vivian Delacruz
August 10, 2025
Hi Jim!
I am beyond sad to have learned of your passing 3 years too late. You were my first guitar teacher. Today I passed through Stockton and had asked my dad to send me old videos of growing up there to show my partner. One of them was this video clip of the photo below and I got curious and wanted to reach out to say Hi (hence now being directed here). Many of the lessons you taught me still stick with me. They were even passed onto my own students. I was 12 when I started lessons with you and 22 when I became a teacher :) You're one of the most important and influential teachers I have ever had. I still play your rendition of Little Wing by Jimi. I wish I got to tell you that. I know you're playing a Great Gig in the Sky now probably with all the greats.
I don't know how things work out afterlife, my friend but I do know you exist through the music and love of music you taught and shared with everyone who knew you. I miss you Jim. Thank you for your lessons and friendship. Wish I got to tell you.
Kevin Kirkpatrick
May 27, 2024
May 19th would have been your 70th birthday. I think of you often Bro! I hope that your resting place is peaceful up there. I wish there was a resting place down here where I could come visit you. I guess I'll have to wait until it's my turn.
Jenny
July 6, 2023
Pops - I can't believe it is a year tomorrow. I love you and miss you more than you know. It is astounding to me the people that God lets live and who he takes away. There are people on this earth who don't deserve to be here, and then there is you. You deserved to be here and outlive those who don't.
Thank you for everything. Thank you for giving me the truth, about everyone and everything. You never hesitated to be vulnerable; I will always be thankful for that. Lizzie and I are taking a little trip tomorrow in memory of you. I know you will be there right along with us. Such a beautiful spirit you were - and so deeply missed. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jennifer Brenner
May 20, 2023
Pops - I hope you are doing well up there. I love you and miss you deeply as does Lizzie. We went and saw Caro recently and had a lovely visit. You were often the topic of discussion. We shared good memories, food, and laughter. But it would have been so much better had you been there with us. Your absence is profoundly felt. We love you, we love you, we love you.
Jen
Samantha
May 14, 2023
Missing your presence and uplifting personality today, Jim. I wish I´d taken one more lesson or had a chance to truly thank you for your impact on my life. Very few moments I´ll regret more than rescheduling what would have been our last lesson.
Jen
March 2, 2023
Missing you always Pops.
Jen "Jenny" Brenner
November 7, 2022
4 months today...miss you Pops. I miss you so much. I'm going over to see Lizzie tomorrow. I promised you I would take care of your girl - and I'm keeping that promise. We have gotten so close through this - and I see exactly why you were so in love with her.
I still have the urge to call you. I still butt-dial you on accident, because I refuse to take your number out of my favorites. When the grief gets too heavy, I start to imagine what you are doing up there. In my mind, every ounce of pain you carried with you here has vanished and you look so free.
Just know - I'm always looking for you and I'm always listening.
Love you Pops.
Jen Brenner
October 20, 2022
If you were unable to attend Jim's service, it is archived on the church's YouTube channel. Go to the link above, Click the LIVE STREAM button on the home page. This will take you to their channel. You can scroll down and see the archives.
Mikayla
September 18, 2022
I can't believe it.. I'm just finding out about his passing today..
Jim was my guitar teacher from middle school all the way through high school. He was the most kind, sincere, patient guy. I always loved coming to my lessons and learning from such an amazing musician. My love of guitar was strengthened by all the wisdom he imparted to me over the years. I'll never forget him! Much love to his family <3
Kevin Kirkpatrick
September 9, 2022
Kevin Kirkpatrick
September 9, 2022
Kevin Kirkpatrick
September 9, 2022
Doug Jann
September 8, 2022
When I think of Jim I remember that each time I´d see him, he´d have something new to share with me. Whether it was a new song, a new guitar, or new painting or some other cool thing. I will miss that smile that went the music he brought to make us all smile. To Lizzie and Jim´s family I send my condolences and best wishes. Please know that I miss the guy that I considered the local music theory genius for guitar. The guy that always said, "Try it this way" and it was always better than I thought it should be played. Miss you Jim
Lino
September 8, 2022
Thank you for believing in me and inspiring me Jim, I look forward to seeing you again one day at the great gig in the sky. Shine on you crazy diamond! We all love you and will miss you, your light and wonderful music. You have made a lasting impression on this community and region. A true icon.
KC
September 8, 2022
Dixie , Joseph, Frank Bandy and Faith Arnold
August 25, 2022
Jim taught my boys guitar and bass. They took lessons for several years. Jim always went out of his way to try to encourage Frank and Joe. We are very sorry to hear that he passed. I know God will enlist him in the heavenly band. He will be missed. Praying for Lizzie and family. May God comfort and give you peace.
Areli & Alexandria Largaespada
August 24, 2022
Every Tuesday my 9 year old daughter looked forward to guitar practice. Sometimes when Alexandria wasn't at her best I remember Jim making jokes and helping her understand music as a way to express her feelings. She told me one day after practice, " sorry mom that I told you that I wanted to quit, I feel better now after practice." He always knew how to cheer her up. You will forever be missed.
Kevin Kirkpatrick
August 21, 2022
To my beloved Jimi,
(For years he always signed his name as "Jimi" for the obvious and it stuck with me forever)
Reflecting on the specials times we had from the mid 70´s thru the 80´s, I remember hauling amps, tuning guitars, setting your stage and mics for many gigs and even for a few recording studios just to watch you play. What fantastic memories.....In effort to get you away from the night club scene for a long weekend, I recall taking you to the Mendocino redwoods camping where we sang, played guitars and harmonica by the campfire at night and took you abalone diving in the mornings. Man, was that a hoot out there in the water teaching you how to free dive. Well, until a seal popped up nose to nose with you. I think you warmed up your wetsuit. Ha!....There are so many great stories that I can share but I know your thinking of them now in heaven. Though I will not be able to attend your celebration of life and see all the many wonderful friends of yours from the past, I will celebrate you forever in my heart.
I love you Jimi!
Kevin
Kevin Kirkpatrick
August 21, 2022
Kevin Kirkpatrick
August 21, 2022
Kevin Kirkpatrick
August 21, 2022
Bonnie J Damiano
August 16, 2022
A blessing in my life dear one, rest in peace with love.
Bonnie J Damiano
August 16, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Marilyn Damiano
August 14, 2022
We are Jim's half siblings:
Marilyn Damiano, Vince Damiano, Caro Lorber and Bob Damiano and we are saddened by the loss of Jim.
Marilyn Damiano
August 14, 2022
Marilyn Damiano, Vince Damiano, Caro Lorber and Bob Damiano, half siblings of Jim, are deeply saddened by his passing.
Anthony Mims
August 8, 2022
Jim and I have known each other for eight years ,I first was made aware of Jim cause I seek him out as a teacher to help me and some fundamentals on the bass guitar...from that point on he taught me and encouraged me from day one and we became really close friends till the day he passed he was surely a God-fearing man a great musician he loved his wife and his daughter and family , l loved him , and he loved me .... We would pray together, and for each other ! It´s my prayer that God has mercy on his soul.
Jen Brenner
August 8, 2022
A few memories..
Jen Brenner
August 8, 2022
Jen Brenner
August 8, 2022
From the moment we reunited - I knew that only death would tear us apart. Thank you for all of the holidays, birthday cards, phone conversations, and backyard chats. Thank you for your patience with me while you helped me heal. Thank you for always being kind, tender, and loving. And most of all thank you for finding your gifts in this world and giving them away - for that is how your legacy will live on. Just like we said in "Daddy's Little Girl", I promise to make you proud. That lyric was true then and will be true until I see you again.
I will love and miss you forever Pops... which doesn't seem nearly long enough.
Chris Hunefeld
August 8, 2022
Lizzie to you and your family, we offer prayers and remembrance of Jim's incredible talent as a musician, incredible communicator, teacher and great friend. We miss him terribly, but I know he's with me when I play. Heaven definitely has another Saint.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in James Damiano's name
How to support James's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Damiano's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
