Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Mashburn Obituary
May 29, 1940 - February 1, 2024
James Lonelle Mashburn was born in San Diego on May 29, 1940, to parents, Jesse Mashburn and Bernice Meeden. He grew up in a Navy family, crisscrossing the country many times over the course of his childhood. Jim was a proud member of the Naval Academy, class of 1965, following two years at Menlo College and a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps. He left the Academy and joined the enlisted Navy in multiple administrative assignments in Europe and North America. During this time, he completed a B.S. and M.B.A. from George Washington University. His civilian career included many years as a financial officer with the Veterans Administration in Newark, Chicago, Manhattan, Puerto Rico and San Francisco. Following an early retirement from federal service, he owned a furniture business in San Francisco.
Jim had a big laugh and a bigger heart. He made friends with everyone, even the toll taker on the Golden Gate Bridge. Always ready with a good story, he was the life of the party. He loved San Francisco and always considered it home, wherever he lived. Art museums were an ever-present passion, which he shared as a docent in Racine and Milwaukee. In his last years, he found joy in his own creativity in the art therapy program at his senior center.
Jim died peacefully, with his children by his side, in New Jersey on February 1, 2024 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his dear companion, Rebecca Martin; his sister, Lynne Fletcher; his children, David Mashburn and Sandra; son-in-law, Mark Andermanis; and grandchildren, Nicole, Casey and Logan Andermanis.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Mashburn
1 Entry
Don McPhail
June 21, 2024
Jim was a dear friend and special guy to us, and to many people whose lives he touched. We met on the football field, first as opponents when Sequoia (his team) played Paly (mine) at Stanford Stadium in the late fifties. Then we met as teammates at Menlo College in 1959, and again as plebes at the Naval Academy in 1961. Who would have known? He was always positive, enthusiastic and kind, and his outdoor voice carried great joy. When we remet in the 1990s, our bodies had changed, but never his large and welcoming personality. Jim loved life, and life returned the feeling. He was a special friend. He introduced us to Becky, and for this we are forever grateful. God speed, old friend. Don McPhail
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in James Mashburn's name
Memorial Events
for James Mashburn
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Mashburn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
