James Michael Saghi

James Michael Saghi Passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on September 8, 2008 surrounded by his family. James was born Jan. 1, 1921 in Tabriz, Iran, and was the eldest of four children. After completing high school in Tehran, Iran, he attended the American University of Beirut and Columbia University in New York, and then served in the US Army. James returned to Iran in 1947 and founded Novzohour Paper Company, a consumer paper products manufacturer. In 1949, he met Antoinette Landi of Cranston, RI. They were married in 1950, settling in Tehran where they raised five children. James was a pillar of the business community and served as president of the Iran-America Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his business activities, he was a keen tennis player for 74 years and was instrumental in bringing Davis Cup tennis to Iran. After 28 successful and productive years, James and his family moved to San Francisco and Napa, where they again shared many wonderful years with family and friends. James is survived by his loving wife, Antoinette; five children and their spouses, Linda (Meyer), Diana (Nagi), Elizabeth (Richard), Michael (Hiedeh) and Allan (Karen); three grandsons, Jamie, Harrison and Ethan; brother, Charles; sisters, Edith and Mary and their respective families. He was much loved by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed. Family and friends may visit on Thursday, September 11th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Halsted N. Gray - Carew & English, 1123 Sutter Street, SF. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Dominic's Catholic Church on Friday, September 12th at 11:30 a.m. followed by a private family interment. An Open House reception will be held at the family home in San Francisco beginning at 3:30 P.M. Valet Parking available. Donations may be made to the Parkinson's Institute, 1170 Morse Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94089. HALSTED N. GRAY - CAREW & ENGLISH (415) 673-3000