James John Mima

1924 - 2017

James John Mima

Oxnard, CA

James John Mima passed away with his family near him on December 29, 2017. He was 93 years old and finally succumbed to the complications of vascular dementia.

Jim was born on May 22, 1924 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Michael and Mary Mima. His brother, Gilbert, was born three years later. The family attended mass at Holy Trinity Church, where Jim also walked to school. He joined the Sea Scouts in his youth, and after high school graduation in 1942 he joined the US Navy, serving in the Pacific during World War II. He once had the helm overnight during a hurricane and steered the ship with all its crew through 20-foot waves to safety.

Upon his honorable discharge, Jim studied at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in less than three years with a degree in Civil Engineering. He was recruited by North American Aviation and drove to California to begin his career.

Jim met his love, Lillian, at a dinner-dance club in Los Angeles. They married in 1958 and modeled loving commitment and devotion to one another.

Jim was very civic-minded, supporting the city and community wherever he lived. He became Assistant Director of the Water Department in Inglewood and joined the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He served as Chairman and MC for the city's Golden Anniversary Parade, and led the creation of the Dennis the Menace Playground.

In Oxnard, he again engendered respect for his integrity, serving as Director of the Water Department, then as Assistant Director of the Public Works Department. An interview through UCLA's Oral History Department revealed his commitment to researching complex issues to make wise decisions.

Jim took advanced training in leadership, studied Spanish, earned a real estate license, and designed a beautiful cabin that he had built near Lake Arrowhead, California. He taught himself woodworking, crafting home improvements and toys for his children. He also created and patented an unusual bicycle lock.

He and Lillian belonged to a dance club for many years, and he was a Monarch member in the Lions Club. He enjoyed family camping, photography, and golfing, and once hit a hole-in-one that never touched the green!

In 1980, Jim achieved his dream of "having a cabin in the woods" by retiring to a Christmas tree farm in Oregon. He built a satellite dish antenna and added a deck to the house for summer meals outdoors watching the birds. He continued to learn, studying finance and bread baking, and enjoyed finding jokes to share via e-mail.

He and Lillian were married nearly 60 years.

Preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Jim is survived by his wife, Lillian; children, Kathleen, William, and John Paul (Sajeeni); grandsons, Maxwell and Chadwell; as well as extended family.

Jim's favorite quote was "My cup runneth over."

A celebration of life will be held June 23 in Eugene, Oregon.

Jim was interred at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.