James John Mima

1924 - 2017

James John Mima

May 22, 1924 -

December 29, 2017

James John Mima passed away with his family near him on December 29, 2017. He was 93 years old and finally succumbed to the complications of vascular dementia.

Jim was born May 22, 1924 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Michael and Mary Mima. His brother, Gilbert, was born three years later. The family attended mass at Holy Trinity Church where Jim also walked to school. He joined the Sea Scouts in his youth, and after graduating from high school in 1942, he joined the US Navy, serving in the Pacific during World War II. He once had the helm overnight during a hurricane and steered the ship with all its crew through 20-foot waves to safety.

After the war, Jim studied Civil Engineering at University of Pittsburgh, graduating in less than three years. He was recruited by North American Aviation and drove to California to begin his career.

Jim met his love, Lillian, at a dinner-dance club in Los Angeles. Married in 1958, they modeled loving commitment and devotion to one another.

Jim was very civic-minded, supporting the city and community wherever he lived. In Inglewood, California he became Assistant Director of the Water Department, joined the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and led the creation of the Dennis the Menace Playground.

He moved his family to Oxnard and again engendered respect for his integrity, serving as Director of the Water Department, then as Assistant Director of their Public Works Department.

Jim took advanced training in leadership, studied Spanish, earned a real estate license, and designed a beautiful cabin. He taught himself woodworking, crafting home improvements and toys for his children. He also created and patented an unusual bicycle lock.

Jim was a Monarch member in the Lions Club, and he and Lillian belonged to a dance club for many years. He enjoyed family camping, photography, and golfing. He once hit a hole-in-one that never touched the green!

In 1980, Jim achieved his dream of "having a cabin in the woods" by retiring to a Christmas tree farm in Oregon. He built a satellite dish antenna and added a deck to the house for summer meals outdoors watching the birds. He studied finance and bread baking and enjoyed finding jokes to share via e-mail.

He and Lillian were married nearly 60 years.

Preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Jim is survived by his wife, Lillian, children: Kathleen, William and John Paul (Sajeeni), grandsons Maxwell and Chadwell, as well as extended family.

Jim's favorite quote was "My cup runneth over."

A celebration of life will be held June 23 in Eugene.

Jim was interred at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.