James Gordon Arena

1938 - 2023

James Gordon Arena
June 16, 1938 - November 30, 2023
"Jimmy," our dear father passed away in his home in Burlingame, Calif. on November 30, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family and beloved dog, Maggie.
A native of San Francisco, Jim graduated from Lincoln High School and met Barbara, the love of his life. He joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17 and was always proud to call himself a Marine. Mom and Dad were married on May 7, 1960 and enjoyed a beautiful life together for 57 years. During those years, they were blessed with four children and created a loving home in Colma before moving to Burlingame in 1974. It is there that they raised their family and joined a supportive community of parishioners at Our Lady of Angels for almost 50 years.
Dad went in the Sheet Metal apprenticeship program and proved to be a skilled "tinman" in his many years as a business owner of Arena & Sons Sheet Metal. During that time, Dad was very involved in SMACNA, becoming president of that union organization. This gave our parents the opportunity to travel the country extensively.
When Mom and Dad weren't traveling around the world, they enjoyed their home away from home in Lake Tahoe. They delighted in hosting their children, grandchildren and many friends there, where fond memories were created.
Dad lived his life with a fearless spirit. He loved adventure and would give anything a try. His thrill seeking enjoyment took him skydiving, river rafting, zip lining, scuba diving, boating and riding in helicopters. At age 60, Dad ran the Napa Valley Marathon in honor of his beloved son, Kirk. Our Dad was a hard worker with a meticulous work ethic. He could fix anything around the house.
Jim is survived by his three devoted children, Mark (Kate) Arena, Brett (Liz) Arena and Ashley (Mike) Walsh. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara and their son, Kirk. He leaves behind five dear grandchildren, Alex, Amanda, Kirk, Anika and Giovanna. He is also survived by his sisters, Jo Ann Baldassara, Christine Arena; and his brother, Ricky Arena; and many nieces and nephews; as well as cousins, Joanne Sullivan, Susan Bauerle and Ron Baxter. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jackie Gerrard.
Although Jim was a very accomplished man, he lived a simple life, giving to others with a grateful heart. What he is best known for is being "the nice guy" that everyone delighted in being around. He had a life well lived.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 1721 Hillsdale Drive in Burlingame on Monday, December 11th at 10 a.m. A reception to follow, details to be announced. There will be a 9:30 a.m. visitation with the family prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim's name to Wounded Warrior Project in support of veterans.