James Ray Webber

1937 - 2023

James Ray Webber

August 16, 1937 - December 10, 2023

Auburn, California - James Ray Webber, age 86, passed away in Auburn California, December 10, 2023 after a long journey with dementia. Jim was born August 16, 1937 in Los Angeles to George Raymond Marrion and Dorothy Ann Westcott and raised on Catalina Island during his early youth. His mother remarried and moved with William Webber to Newcastle where Jim and his younger brothers spent much of their lives.

Jim's calling was a life of service and honor. He earned the Eagle Scout rank in Newcastle's Explorer Post No. 13 at the age of 16, where he also served as the Deputy Senior Crew Leader of the Post. Like many teenagers, Jim worked in the Newcastle fruit sheds in the summer. He became a Sea Scout in high school and joined the US Navy at the age of 17 where he served two years of active duty from 1955 to 1957 in Asia on the USS Helena. He then served an additional four years in the US Navy Reserve with an honorable discharge in November 1962. Upon his discharge, he attended Sierra College where he earned his AA degree and soon joined Placer County where he worked in the road department while acting as a reserve deputy and soon was sworn in as a Deputy, badge No. 16 at the Sheriff's Department. His long career with the Department ended in 1992. He was one of the only Deputies that rose through the ranks, retiring at the highest rank of Chief Deputy Sheriff (1980-1992). During his years with the Department, he was the first to join the Sacramento Area Explosive Ordinance Detail Unit (EOD), joined the International Bomb Squad, attended the FBI academy, served as the Sergeant in charge of patrol, became a criminal investigator who solved scores of felonies and homicides, led the construction of the first new generation jail in California, and served as the Chief of the Department, overseeing administration and budget. He received numerous awards, citations and medals throughout his career, including a Silver Lifesaving Medal from the US Secretary of Transportation for heroic action. He was an active advocate for peoples' rights and recognition, including early support for Federal recognition of the Auburn Rancheria. After his retirement, he spent a number of years as a member of the Placer County Civil Service Commission.

One of Jim's passions included his love of sports. He was an accomplished athlete himself, participating in sports teams beyond his retirement. As a graduate of Placer High School, he loved anything connected to PHS sport teams and enjoyed attending games. He was actively involved in his brother's and children's sports teams, where he coached and cheered on his siblings and kids throughout the years. He also had a deep affection for Alaska and made an annual pilgrimage to work on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race for over a decade.

Jim leaves behind Maria Baranowski, daughters Jennifer Maxwell (John), Lisa Henderson (Todd) and is predeceased by his son Matthew. He is survived by eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, his brothers Michael and Larry (Valerie), numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved animals.

Jim and Maria spent thirty-five loving years enjoying life, working on projects, traveling the world, and immersed in the outdoors. Throughout life, nature fed his spirit. He lived life to the fullest - happy, curious and adventurous. His love, wisdom, integrity, humor and compassion will live within each he has touched. He was a true hero, accomplished yet humble. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on January 21, 2024 at the General Gomez Art Center, 808 Lincoln Way in Auburn. Graveside services will be private.