Michael James

1940 - 2021

Michael James
October 2, 1940 - November 18, 2021
Aptos
Mike James passed away peacefully at his home in Aptos on November 18, 2021, with his wife, Mary Anne James, and his son, Matthew James, at his side.
Mike was born in Los Angeles, California. He was one of seven children, and through his powerful intellect, tremendous work ethic, and as he readily admitted, luck, he was able to transition from very humble beginnings to achieve personal and professional success.
Mike graduated from Belmont High School, Los Angeles City College, and San Francisco State University, obtaining a Masters Degree in Education. Mike also attended classes at Santa Clara University and the University of Southern California, where he had worked for the athletic department as a teenager. He was a lifelong USC Trojan and attended countless football games at the Coliseum with friends and family.
Mike traveled the world in various capacities, from observing atomic detonations at Christmas Island to serving as a crew member on a sailing ship in the Caribbean, to decoding communications in England while enlisted in the Air Force. In the early 1970's, he moved from Southern California to Santa Cruz County.
Mike was a lifelong educator and mentor. He taught special education at Mountain View High School and at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School. He had a special gift for connecting with his students. His scary stories, told to many young students at Santa Cruz Gardens, were legendary. Within his large extended family, "Uncle Mike" was revered as a role model, a very cool guy with equally cool cars, and an unwavering advocate for higher education.
Mike transitioned from teacher to administrator easily, serving as Assistant Superintendent for the Soquel Elementary School District and Deputy Superintendent for the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. His colleagues remember him for his sense of humor, commitment to students, and talents for negotiations and educational law.
After retirement, Mike enjoyed traveling with Mary Anne and sharing time with family and friends. He especially loved spending time in the Sierra Foothills and Yosemite Valley. Through all of the stages of his life, Mike was a true man. He was powerful, composed, stoic, yet deeply compassionate and loving.
Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Anne, his son, Matthew, daughter-in-law Kerry James, stepson Lizandro Salazar, sisters Marlene Villa and Antoinette Hernandez, granddaughters Laurel and Hazel James, and many, many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, a tax deductible donation may be made to the SCCOE Donation Fund, 400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 in care of the Business Department. Please note "Mike James Scholarship" in the memo line. The funds will be used to support Alternative Education youth who wish to attend college.


View the online memorial for Michael James