Jim Hogan

1951 - 2021

Jim Hogan
November 25, 1951 - February 27, 2021
Resident of Santa Cruz
James Henry Hogan was born in Burlingame, CA to Dorothy and Dean Hogan. Father to Meredith McKinnon, Taylor Hogan, and Jake Hogan. Survived by his children and wife Lisa Hogan, his sisters Nancy Rogers, Deanna Kempthorne, Colleen McGill, and brother Clancy Hogan, grandchildren Noelle Wahlstrand, Genevieve McKinnon, and Charlotte McKinnon. He is pre-deceased by his sister Terry Goodsite and wife Annemarie Gaugel.
Jim was a man who genuinely cared about many individuals and humankind. He touched many lives on a day to day basis, from his international business colleagues to the people he worked shoulder to shoulder with on personal projects. To say that Jim loved his family is a great understatement. He showed his love to them in so many ways. Jim knew that his success in life is rare and made sure that he did what he could to allow others to reach their full potential. Jim was a person of incredible character with the intricacies and complexities of any human being, but it is safe to say that care for his personal and greater community was his purpose.
Jim graduated from WC Overfelt high school in 1969. His professional life started with humble beginnings. He lived and worked in East San Jose and was employed at United Auto Stores on the corner of Story & King Road where he worked in the machine shop and at the sales counter.
Jim was a proud graduate of San Jose State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science/Mathematics and later earned an MBA, but his career had taken him beyond the confines of any degree. Jim's involvement with San Jose State University went far beyond his graduation. He donated and participated in the progression of the engineering department, even being chosen as the keynote speaker at an engineering graduation ceremony.
Jim had traveled all over the world as part of business, love of adventure, and appreciation of other cultures. At home he spent time with his three dogs, three cats and turtle. He was an animal lover his whole life. He also loved caring for the beautiful land which he lived on. Jim loved modern and classic cars, collecting and fixing them as much as he could. Jim also loved music. Throughout his life he was a member of many different bands. In his home he dedicated a room to playing music and his collection of instruments. He had played several notable venues including House of Blues and The Fillmore. Some of his closest bonds were made through the comradery of musicianship and they lasted a lifetime.
Jim meant so many things to so many people. On the same day he could be in a meeting as a Fortune 500 board member, then later be riding a tractor wearing a tie dye T-shirt. To summarize Jim is an oxymoron. He loved his life and had achieved true happiness. Jim had curated experiences that not many have had yet found a way to relate to every person he met. Jim's absence leaves a space that no one else can fill. His loss is tremendous which can only be expected given his presence in this lifetime. We miss and love you Jim, forever.
The family of Jim Hogan are raising donations for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in lieu of receiving any flowers. Please donate at https://gofund.me/30213bf6 or casaofsantacruz.org. A memorial service for Jim will be held on September 18, 2021 COVID permitting. Details to come.


View the online memorial for Jim Hogan