James "Jimmy" Mazzoni

March 8, 1916- January 10, 2007

Giacomo Pietro James P. "Jimmy" Mazzoni was born in Lincoln, California on March 8, 1916. He was a son of Italian immigrants Luigi and Carmelina Coppelli Mazzoni who emigrated from Cotto di Fivizzano, Italy to Sacramento in 1903. They operated businesses in Sacramento and settled in Lincoln before moving to Santa Cruz in 1920. The family moved to their landmark home with the wisteria hedge on the corner of California Street and Walnut Avenue in 1920 where Jimmy resided until moving to the DeAnza Mobile Home Estates in July 2002. Jimmy attended local Santa Cruz schools, graduating 8th grade from Holy Cross School and high school from Chaminade High School. He attended the University of San Francisco, working his way through college as a 21 - dealer at the Palace Club in Reno during his summers. He graduated with a degree in Pharmacy and worked as a pharmacist most notably at Melvin's Drug Store on Pacific Avenue, Pampel's Pharmacy in Opal Cliffs, and other pharmacies in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay area. He maintained his pharmacist license well after his retirement "just in case".

Jimmy began skiing at Badger Pass while a college student in the 1930's and continued skiing in the Lake Tahoe area up until the age of 75. The highlights of his skiing included a trip to the Italian and French Alps. He attended the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley and afterward, began weekly ski trips with his niece and later on, a great nephew. He also enjoyed water-skiing, river rafting and camping trips in Yosemite and Big Basin.

He was an accomplished classical concert pianist who enjoyed Italian opera and the symphony. He attended the opera often in San Francisco with his aunt, and most recently in San Jose. He enjoyed gardening where he landscaped and immaculately maintained the extensive grounds at his California Street home. He enjoyed traveling and attending local events, ready to go at the spur of the moment. He visited Hawaii on a month- long trip in the early 1950's, flying on a Pan-Am clipper with a sleeper berth. He never wanted to go again, commenting that it was really a paradise, once he was there. Jimmy was also a self- taught gourmet cook, and delighted in preparing large family holiday events and special Italian dinners. He was a member of Holy Cross Parish for over 60 years.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Luigi and Carmelina Coppelli Mazzoni, sisters; Livia Mazzoni, Maria Mazzoni, and Rita Mazzoni Trucco, and by his brothers; Timorato Mazzoni, Vido Mazzoni and Giovanni John Mazzoni. He is survived by 10 nieces and nephews including Andrea Trucco, Michele Trucco Richardson, and Kristine Mazzoni Schuray all of Santa Cruz. Jimmy also leaves 18 great nieces and nephews including Erich Asche of Felton, 16 great-great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

The recitation of the Holy Rosary and a vigil service will be held on Monday evening, January 15, at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel beginning at 7 p.m. Friends may pay their respects at the chapel on Monday from 1 p.m. until the rosary begins. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 16th at Holy Cross Church 126 High Street in Santa Cruz, beginning at 11 a.m.

He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Santa Cruz. The family asks that remembrances be made to Hospice Caring Project of Santa Cruz County 940 Disc Dr. Scotts Valley, CA. 95066

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