James Michael Coriston Sr.

1940 - 2025

James Michael Coriston Sr.
02/29/1940 - 05/15/2025
It is with joy and sadness we announce the passing of James Michael Coriston Sr. Joy in knowing his return to the Lord, and sadness we will no longer have the benefit of his guidance, comfort and wisdom here on Earth. James was preceded by ten months in death by Nancy Louise, his beloved wife of 60 years. He is survived by three grateful children: Anne Louise, James Michael, Jr. and Maura Elizabeth; and four loving grandchildren Meghane Elizabeth, Anthony James, Elise Emmanuelle and Ever. He impressed upon his children and grandchildren the importance of hard work, having principles and standing up for what is right even when it may be the dissenting opinion.
Being born a "leaper" in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania set James apart from an early age. He always enjoyed and respected work from the age of twelve, when he was a Saturday helper on a bakery truck. During high school he always managed at least two jobs, including vending and ushering at sporting events and working at his father's tire shop. He worked his way through Duquesne University with many jobs, including the position of night auditor for a bank and as branch administrator for Pittsburgh's Lincoln-Mercury dealership.
Following his service in the US Marine Corps, James joined the brotherhood of DUVA (Duquesne University Veteran's Association) which led to him meeting the love of his life Nancy Louise Barbel. James famously escorted Nancy to a DUVA dance when her nursing shift ran late and the rest is a love story that lasted over sixty years. They married on June 5, 1965, in Pennsylvania and on June 6th traveled to San Francisco, CA to start their married life together. Later that year, James joined Price Waterhouse Co. PwC recognized his leadership potential, and they encouraged James to attend the UC Berkeley Business School, which he graduated from in 1969. He was admitted to the PwC partnership on July 1, 1975. His 35 years of distinguished service to the firm included time in San Francisco, San Jose, and five years in New York City where he served as a PwC Vice Chairman. James then returned to the Bay Area in 1994, serving as managing partner of the San Francisco office until his eventual retirement.
James took pride in exposing his children to adventures in the great outdoors and the wonder of nature. He would plan trips to the home in Truckee, CA that he and Nancy had built in 1982, as well as camping trips to their property in Point Arena, CA. Memorable camping experiences also included Yosemite and with the Sierra Club in the Marble Mountains, CA. Weekend plans often revolved around hikes in Muir Woods and Mt. Diablo, bike riding in Tilden Park or sailing on the Lafayette Reservoir. James also believed in developing his children's "life skills." This usually involved teaching practical life skills, from cleaning out gutters to staining a deck or changing a tire - and these activities were often rewarded by root beer floats and mini golf. Weekends also included ski trips with the Indian Princesses, attending CAL Berkeley football games and San Francisco Giants games, or playing family dominoes and poker games. James's adventurous side also introduced his children to the Matterhorn roller coaster at Disneyland, helicopter rides in Hawaii and Alaska and teaching them to drive the stick shift Triumph TR7. Laura Scudder's peanut butter was a staple in the kitchen and was carried whenever James traveled.
James thrived in his role as Abuelo to his grandchildren. He taught them to ride bikes, play basketball and to enjoy a DQ ice cream cone. He ably served as their grammar police, history teacher, and exposed them to the poets Robert Frost and Edgar Allan Poe.
After James retired from PwC in 2000, he was able to pursue his true passion of serving those less fortunate. Just one week after retirement, James traveled to Cochabamba, Bolivia where he lived with a Bolivian family for 10 weeks studying Spanish at the Maryknoll Institute and working with the local community. He found great reward in working with Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children to aid the underprivileged in Latin America and made many trips to Bolivia, Guatemala and Honduras to support projects, including the funding and construction of clean water initiatives for multiple villages. James was also very active in serving his local communities. He joined the early protests for undocumented worker rights including a march to Sacramento with the United Farm workers and volunteered as the intake coordinator and co-administrator of the free farm worker medical clinic in Half Moon Bay. He also served on the San Francisco Archbishop's Finance Council and Audit Committees and the Capital Assets Support Corporation, the Holy Cross Cemetery Advisory Board and as Vice Chairman of the Salvation Army of Greater New York. James was also a member of the Board for the Sing for America Foundation.
The fellowship of club life was also an integral part of James's pursuits. At various times he was a member of Lake Merced Country Club, Orinda Country Club, Ardsley Country Club, Merchant Exchange Club, the University Club of New York, World Trade Club of San Francisco and a longtime Bohemian.
James's Catholic faith was a significant part of his life. In response to his passing, James's extended family and friends have sent remembrances reflecting on his generosity and mentorship, in addition to his friendship and service to those around him. Many added that he always spoke the truth in a direct teachable way and emphasized his great sense of humor and laugh. He is admired for the tremendous love and care he provided to Nancy in later years.
James not only seized the day but also seized his lifespan and we are grateful for each and every moment we shared with him. A Catholic Mass will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 12pm at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, in San Francisco, CA. A celebration of life will then continue at the Bohemian Club, 624 Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA. In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to The Dominican Mission Foundation, P.O. Box 1537, San Francisco CA 94115 to support the missionary efforts in Rabinal, Guatemala or to St. Dominic's Community Outreach and Services, 2390 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94115.