James Michael Imperial

1946 - 2016

James Michael Imperial

5/29/46

5/12/16

James Michael Imperial was born May 29, 1946 in French Camp, CA. He was called home May 12, 2016 in Sun Valley, NV. He is survived by wife, Donna Imperial; children and their spouses: Bernadette, Justine and William Imperial, all of Manteca, CA; Joey Imperial, Reno, NV and wife Claudia; Michael Imperial, Sparks, NV and wife Jill; Roxanne Kumar, Sparks, NV and husband Roman; Branden Imperial, Red Rock, NV and wife Kim; Laraine Buchanan, McKenzie, TN; grandchildren: Tyler, Carter, Mariah, Carista, Kiera, Brianna, Kayla, Anthony, Travis, Monique, D'Angelo, Jasmine, Krishna, Branden; great- grandson Josiah; siblings: Robert Imperial, Raleigh, NC & Robin Imperial, Washington, DC; 9 nieces, 3 nephews, numerous cousins & in-laws. Mike was predeceased by his father, Bert Leon Imperial, mother Justine Gadsden, brother Ronald Imperial, half-brother Mark Gadsden, nephew Ronald Imperial, Jr., sister-in-law Jeannie Imperial and brother-in-law Buck Chisenhall.

Mike grew up in California; he was the favorite of his paternal grandmother, Isabel. He was the oldest son in a family of four (a younger half-brother was born after he had reached adulthood). Mike and his brother Ronnie spent a lot of time together since they were only three years apart. Mike attended Manteca Union High School, but interrupted his education to enlist in the Army. He served his country during two tours of duty in Vietnam; that experience changed his life forever.

Mike married Bernadette Jean Perry while serving in the Army. They had 3 children: Peanut (Bernadette Jean), Justine and William. All three children live in Manteca, CA. Mike married Katie in 1974; they were together for 23 years. They had 4 children: Joey, Michael, Roxanne and Branden. In 1996, Mike married Donna O'Day. He became stepfather to Donna's daughter, Laraine.

Mike was a cement mason by trade. He worked for Valley Concrete in Reno for 39 years. He retired from Scott Meek and Son Concrete in 2012. He made many lifelong work friends and affectionately referred to his co-workers as construction dinks.

When he was not working to support his family, he loved to hunt and fish. There were lots of excursions that included brother Ronnie and both brothers' kids (and sometimes wives). There were many years he and brother Ronnie both had deer tags. They didn't just hunt and fish for sport; they ate what they shot or caught. Pyramid Lake and the Truckee were favorite spots for trout fishing. Mike liked woodworking projects, never met a car problem he couldn't resolve, and had a knack for photography, both digital and print. He and brother Ronnie often competed for who could take the best photo.

In retirement, he spent a lot of time with his grandchildren and stayed in touch with his brother Bob and sister Robin by text, phone or email. In recent years, he became engrossed in watching YouTube videos on every imaginable subject. Mike was a devoted son and took care of and visited his mother who had dementia and lived in a group home in Reno. She passed just 31 days before his death. Mike was a loyal, kind, and affectionate man with a slightly twisted sense of humor; wonderful son, cherished brother, crazy uncle, loving husband and father; and doting grandfather. Memorial service to be held Friday, May 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 14 Veterans Way, Fernley, NV 89408. Repast will follow at Hidden Valley Country Club at 3575 Hidden Valley Drive, Reno, NV 89502. Flowers may be sent to Hidden Valley Country Club. Condolences may be sent to the Imperial Family, PO Box 1520, Sparks, NV 89432. We all love and miss you Mike, Dad, Grandpa. Rest in peace.