James Tanner

1934 - 2025

James "Jim" Tanner
August 26, 1934 - August 14, 2025
Valencia - James "Jim" Tanner, a beloved family man and respected community leader, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, just shy of his 91st birthday.
Born August 26, 1934, in Sterling, Colorado, Jim was the fourth of five siblings. He treasured his childhood spent exploring small-town Colorado, often inventing stories and games with his siblings and friends.
Jim married the love of his life, Geni, on November 9, 1956. Together, they raised four children: Chris (wife Sandee), Lori, Susan (husband Ray), and Aaron (wife Lisa). Jim cherished his nine grandchildren (Willie, Geni, Kaylee, Katie, Abbey, Dax, Tanner, Cameron, and Aubrey) and eleven great-grandchildren (Mason, Jack, Zoe, Isla, Owen, Larissa, Isaiah, Roman, Liam, Gordon, and Rustin), who brought him endless joy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geni.
After proudly serving in the U.S. Army for two years, Jim pursued higher education at the University of Northern Colorado, followed by a master's degree in education from California State University, Northridge (then San Fernando Valley State College).
In the fall of 1960, Jim began his teaching career at Hart High as a business teacher (consumer education). In 1963, he transitioned from a teacher in the business department and began his administrative career as a counselor at Hart. Jim joined Placerita Junior High School in the fall of 1964 as a counselor until 1973, when he became the Assistant Principal. He held that position until 1983, when he became Principal until he retired on July 29th, 1994. Jim was deeply admired by students, colleagues, and the Santa Clarita Valley community.
Outside the classroom, Jim loved golf, woodworking, running, camping, fishing, and cheering on Hart football. A man of deep faith, he was an active member of Christ Church Santa Clarita and a committed volunteer with the Food Pantry and Boys & Girls Club.
Jim's kindness, humility, and dedication to family, community, and faith left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
A private funeral will be held by the family at Eternal Valley on October 4th.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 4th at 1:00 pm at the Hart High School Auditorium and a reception following the celebration at Tanner Hall at Placerita Junior High School.
In lieu of flowers, Jim asks that donations be made to Christ Church Santa Clarita.
Please follow the link: https://pushpay.com/g/christchurchsantaclarita
Choose "One Time" gift type and Jim Tanner under "Fund."
Locations:
Hart High School: 24825 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Placerita JR High School: 25015 North Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91321