James (Jim) Borkowski

James (Jim) Martin Borkowski, 67, of Santa Cruz, CA passed away at home on October 9, 2020, surrounded by members of his family, after a five-year battle with Multiple Myeloma cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anne and Ray, and his sister Christine. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Gail; daughter Jazlyn, son Tyrus, brother John, sister Joan and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in New Haven Connecticut and raised in West Haven. He attended West Haven schools and Central Connecticut State University, where he received his teaching credential. Tired of winters on the east coast, he headed west and settled first in San Diego, then Las Vegas and eventually moved to Santa Cruz, California in 1978. He began working for City Schools in the early 80s and made many friends while working at Harbor High and Delaveaga Elementary.

Jim was an avid reader and loved the local library. His passion for music of all genres, sci-fi/fantasy books, and dinosaurs, drew people into his orbit who became his lifelong friends. Weekly treks to Logos and Streetlight Records helped build his music collection. Because he loved all genres of music, you were likely to hear everything from Shostakovich, to Monk, to Rush and Queensryche blasting from the speakers in the living-room. He liked listening to music loud! His favorite pastime was reading, watching baseball on TV, and listening to music, all at the same time.

After retirement, Jim could be found in the aisles of the local library hunting for new sci-fi/fantasy books and music CDs. Music played in the house most days. His children came into the world to the music of Vivaldi and share his passion for all music genres. Jim played weekly chess and scrabble games with friends. In his younger years he even played speed scrabble with his best friend — truly an experience to behold!

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life for Jim will be held at a later date. In the meantime, read a book and play some music you love in his honor — that was his happy place.

Contributions in Jim’s name can be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Public Library.