James "Jim" Wainwright

James "Jim" Wainwright
James "Jim" Wainwright passed away peacefully during his sleep surrounded by his family during the early morning hours of Thursday, November 13, 2014. Jim was born on September 14, 1943 in San Bernardino, California to Larry and Hazel Wainwright. Jim grew up on North E Street, just past Little Mountain. He was one of three boys. His older brother Charles preceded him in death this past summer. He is survived by his younger brother Rick Wainwright, who still resides in San Bernardino.
Jim graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1961. He obtained a degree from San Bernardino Valley College in 1963 and a degree in Sociology from San Diego State University in 1965. As a youth, he was active in Boy's Scouts and Eagle Scouts as well as athletics. Jim was a varsity wrestler and football player at SBHS. He continued playing football in college. While attending SBHS he met and fell in love with Karen Lusk, also of San Bernardino.
After graduating from SDSU, Jim and Karen were married on June 26, 1965 at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church on G Street in San Bernardino and then moved to San Leandro, where Jim worked as a juvenile probation officer for Alameda County. In October 1966, Jim enlisted in the Marine Corp. While serving as both a Second and First Lieutenant Platoon Commander in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968 he was twice awarded the Purple Heart, was awarded a Bronze Star and two Navy Commendation Medals. After returning from Vietnam, Jim continued to serve in the USMC Reserves until 1980, leaving the Marine Corp as a Major.
After his active duty military concluded, Jim enrolled law school. In December 1976, Jim was sworn in as an attorney and began his thirty-eight years as an attorney in Tulare County. By now, Jim and Karen had two boys and they relocated to Visalia, California in 1976.
Jim was actively involved in youth sports and coached both soccer and baseball for years. He was also devoted to public service through the West Visalia Kiwanis Club and the Central Valley Vietnam Veterans Club.
Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen; his two sons, James and Daniel Wainwright and their wives; six grandchildren; his brother Rick Wainwright, his wife Cindy and their two children; his brother in law Brad Lusk and his wife Sharon; his sister in law Janet (Lusk) Sugihara, her husband Glenn and their two daughters; and his soon to be 102 year old mother in law, Louise Lusk, also from San Bernardino.