JAMES KRETCHMER

James L. Kretchmer
January 6, 1931 - July 20, 2012
Candyman Dies at 81
James Liston Kretchmer, 81, Piedmont, died Friday July 20th, 2012. He was born January 6, 1931 in San Francisco to Grace and Clarence Kretchmer and he had one sister, Joan Lyle.
Jim spent his early years growing up and sailing in San Francisco and Belvedere. He went to Mt.Tamalpais high school and then graduated from U.C. Berkeley and Officers Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Jim served in the Korean War as a lieutenant on a Navy destroyer. Jim had a passion for fishing, hunting and most of all spending time with family.
Jim began his career at American Licorice Company in 1957. In 1970 Jim lead the building of a factory in Union City, CA and in 1985 all the West Coast operations were consolidated there. Throughout his career, Jim's focus was on the West Coast operations, particularly the Red Vines brand. He had great relationships with the Associates and to this day they still speak highly of "Mr. Kretchmer," a true candy man!
Jim is survived by: his five
children John Kretchmer, Hilary Kretchmer, Jacqueline Kretchmer, Sonja Kretchmer Licata and Grace Kretchmer Erickson;
his seven grandchildren Dylan, Forrest, Harrison, Zvonimir, Chole, Elijah and Gianna and his first wife Sandra Kretchmer. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Caroline and his sister Joan.
Friends may call at Saint Mathews Episcopal Church in San Mateo, California, on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at four p.m. A reception will follow at the church. The entire family extends their special thanks to the Licata family, as well as Mission Hospice, for their extended care and dedicated support of our father and friend, Jim.
Jim, may God bless you and hold you close forever.