James G. B. DeMartini, Jr.
06/26/1928 - 08/14/2017
James G. B. “Jim” DeMartini, Jr., Honored Serviceman, pilot, flight instructor, teacher, mentor, coach, beloved husband and father died peacefully on 08/14/2017. He is predeceased by his beloved wife and co-pilot in life of 66 years Mary C. DeMartini (2017). Jim was the son of James G.B. and Ethel DeMartini Sr, and the grandson of The Charcoal King of California, G.B. and Clorinda DeMartini, and maternal grandparents Leo and Mary Simi. Raised and educated in San Francisco, he was brilliant in all areas of academics and athletics and an esteemed natural leader at the San Rafael Military Academy (1941), St. Ignacius High school (1945), and USF where he soared to 2nd Lt. Commission prior to his 20th birthday. He was then bestowed the highest ranking non-WWII ROTC officer commission, Lt. Colonel. Leading the Army Coast Artillery Corps, Jim served his country in the Korean War 1949-1951. He earned BS, MS degrees from USF and attended USF Law School. Jim believed that education, and especially mentoring the young was critical to building a strong society and country. Over the rest of his lifetime of service to others, he accumulated numerous post graduate, lifetime teaching and administrative credentials, advanced pilot licenses and flight instructor awards.
Jim and the light of his life Mary married in 1950 and raised six children, first in San Francisco and then on the peninsula in Burlingame. Mary’s quick wit and military precision in running a household made her the perfect match for Jim as they flew through life together traveling, teaching, flying airplanes and providing a shining example of unmitigated love and devotion to each other, their children, and anyone who knew them. They simply were, “a fun couple.” Raising their children on the peninsula Jim coached youth baseball, managed real estate holdings, served on numerous public commissions, commanded the Sheriff’s Air Squadron, founded the San Carlos Pilot’s Association and served as Lector and Ecumenical Minister at St. Lukes Catholic Church in Foster City. His influence, care and compassion reached far into the communities in which he lived. Jim is survived by his six children James G.B. DeMartini III (Linda), Richard M. DeMartini (Jennifer), M. Pamela Jitloff (Alex), Frederick “Murph” DeMartini (Laurie), Patricia Mc Bride (Dr. J. Scott Mc Bride deceased), Marjorie Kinne (Remsen IV), nineteen grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.
A Rosary to honor Jim will be hosted by Crosby N. Gray, 2 Park Road, Burlingame, CA, 94010 on Tuesday August 22, 7:00 PM.
Services are scheduled August 23, 2017 11:00AM, Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010 with interment to follow at Skylawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Mary Nehls DeMartini Endowment are preferred. Notre Dame De Namur University, 1500 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002.