James Old, Jr.

Jim was born in Altadena, California on March 3,1928 and passed from this world on October 6, 2014 at the age of 86 years after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The Old family moved to the Bay Area where Jim attended Sequoia High School. It is during this time that Jim formed many of the friendships that would endure throughout the rest of his life.

Jim worked in his youth in a nursery business in the Pasadena area. In his 20’s he moved to Fresno, California where he worked in the insurance industry. Joining his father in San Carlos, California in the mid 50’s, Jim became a partner in James A. Old and Son specializing in industrial and commercial storage systems. In 1965 Jim met the love of his life, Clarice Gianinni and they eloped to Reno where they were married.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, James Arthur Old, Sr. and his mother Hazel Margaret Old, his wife, Clarice Old and his brother-in-law Pat Ransom.

Jim was an enthusiastic poker player who met with the same group of friends for their weekly poker game for many years. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing and shared his love for the outdoors with his school days pal Don Thom throughout his life. As soon as the younger generation was able, Jim invested in Doug, Darryl and David Thom and his nephew Rick Ransom in sharing the joys of an outdoorsman’s life. Jim loved a good time with friends and was known to throw a party on a whim. Jim could often be found on weekends working in his garden pruning and trimming to make each plant a picture of perfection.

Jim believed in community service and giving back to those in need. To fill this ongoing desire Jim was a long time Mason and rose to be a Shriner.

In Business Jim was widely known as a man of integrity and quiet ways that could be counted on to provide those products and services promised. It was not uncommon for business agreements to be sealed simply with a shaking of hands.

Jim is survived by his sister, Yola Ransom, his nephew Rick Ransom (Karla), his niece Gail Sweeney (John), and 7 grand nieces, 4 grand nephews, 5 greatgrand nieces, 4 great-grand nephews, and a multitude of lifelong friends.

Jim’s longtime devoted caregiver, Rosie Coleman, Jim’s dearest companion for 9 years, remained at his bedside as he passed on to a better place.

Of all those who have offered thoughts for this remembrance, most remarked that they never heard Jim speak a bad word about anyone. A private grave side service will take place on October 24, 2014, and a celebration of life will follow on the 25th. Remembrances may be sent to either of the following: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., Columbia Office, New York, N.Y. 1000, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 710 West 168th Street New York, NY10032.