James Melchor Esparza

James Melchor Esparza, lovingly known as "Jim", was born on November 11, 1952 and died March 23, 2024 at home with his wife, Patty. Although his grandparents immigrated to America from northern Spain, Jim was a true Californian, born in Long Beach, raised in the South Bay area and eventually making Orange County his home for over forty years. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University - Long Beach and thereafter began his career as a systems and sales engineer, very quickly building a reputation among colleagues and customers as a computer wizard for his ability to effortlessly solve virtually any software or hardware problem. He was a part of a pioneering industry, working for Apollo Computer, Hewlett Packard and Hitachi Data Systems, among others, then independently consulting on diverse projects or simply helping anyone in need of his expertise.

Jim always had a zest for life and adventure. He traveled the world, explored many destinations such as Moscow, Thailand and Australia, loved to scuba dive and introduced Patty to Doctor Who. He was a member of the Academy of Magical Arts, enjoyed fine wine and great tequila, and he delighted in sharing unique or extraordinary experiences with his family and friends. He liked listening to The Who and The Beach Boys, watching and collecting movies, dressing up for or hosting holiday parties, spoiling or relentlessly teasing Patty, and educating or entertaining virtually anyone who would listen. Jim was characteristically blunt and only once in his lifetime admitted he had been wrong; however, he was also brilliant, quick-witted, funny, kind, and wonderfully generous. More than anything, Jim was unique; there is truly no one in the world like him and he will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife Patty Romero, bonus-daughter Shannon Santistevan & her wife Linda, bonus-son Daniel Santistevan, his wife Alicia & daughters Leilani and Camille, his brother Jon Esparza & his wife Nancy, his nieces Lindsay Esparza, Ashlea Marovic & her husband Mario, and Stephanie Webster & her husband Bart, cherished family friend Sal Saladow and many other friends he considered family. Jim is also survived by Patty's family, Ernest and Norris Romero, Margaret Romero & her wife Lolo, Paul Romero & his wife Amy, and nieces, Amanda Cronin & her husband Shawn, Jessica Romero and Mod Anaya. Jim was predeceased by his father Joe Esparza, his mother Mariana Esparza, his uncle Melchor "Mel" Villanua, his aunt Antonia Villanua, and his beloved dogs WC, Buster & Maggie.

Jim was a body donor for science and medical research and a celebration of his life will be held during the summer. Everyone is invited to send Patty photos or happy memories of their time spent with Jim. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in honor of Jim are encouraged to do so in support of causes close to his heart, such as for the protection of animals and children.