PAUL ODELL "SQUEAKY" JAMES SR

1953 - 2024

After taking his last wish trip to Morro Bay and Pismo Beach, Paul Odell James Sr. (aka Squeaky) passed away peacefully on Aug. 2, 2024, surrounded by his children and loved ones.
Paul started working at the Forest Service in 1974 as part of the road crew, then quickly was promoted up to a mechanic. After working as a mechanic for a while, he was promoted to a fleet maintenance inspector. He loved his job. He retired after 48 years at age 69.
"If Paul couldn't fix it, nobody could!" A quote used by many.
He was the family barbeque man for events, which he took over for his brother after he passed. He loved building fast classic cars and Harleys. He also loved woodcutting and made sure that family never went without firewood in the winter.
He was a big family man. He loved his four kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and all of his family. He will be greatly missed by many. Paul's passing leaves a heartache for so many that loved him. His love leaves a memory that no one can steal. You have returned to your mom; may you soar with the eagles and your passed loved ones.
Paul is survived by his four children, Ia Reder, Paul James Jr., Michael James and Kamie Stelling; eight grandchildren, Samantha Ludden, A1C Brandon Reder, Tyler Reder, Jazmine Mohler, Tamie Gutierrez, Joseph Prado Stelling, Steven Hix and Cayleb James; four great-grandchildren, Selah Mohler, Reese Mohler, Scarlet Millanes and Annalecia Harlan; and sister Barbara Persson.
He was preceded in death by his mom, Treny James (1976); brothers Leonard H. James (2007), Harold James (1954), John Albert "Peewee" James Jr (1998) and Jesse James (2018); and sister, Melva Mcdonald (2006).
Viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Aug. 19, at Terzich and Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home, 225 E. Rose Ave., in Sonora, followed by burial at 1 p.m. at the James' family plot at Carter's Cemetery in Tuolumne.