James B. Little
93 years
Cupertino
Noted South Bay lawyer James Beach Little died with his sons at his side on December 1st, 2023 while in hospice care in Cupertino, California. He was 93 years old. He had practiced law for over sixty years in Santa Clara County, retiring at the age of 91.
Jim, as he known among his many friends, was born November 30th, 1930 in Owensboro, Kentucky to parents Marian Austin and Woodbridge Little.
He grew up in nearby Evansville, Indiana during the Great Depression and World War II. Jim was a voracious reader and exceptional student. As a high school senior he was selected to represent the state of Indiana at Boys State, an honor that allowed him to meet and shake hands with President Truman at the White House. The experience was transformative and led to a scholarship to attend Harvard University.
While at Harvard Jim participated the campus ROTC program. After graduating in 1953, Jim served in the U.S. Navy for three years. As an officer on the destroyer class ship the U.S.S. Brownson, Jim visited multiple continents. The adventure, so far beyond his Midwest roots, instilled in Jim a lifelong passion for travel and discovery.
A chance stopover in San Francisco inspired Jim to attend law school at Stanford University (JD 1959). Although a practicing lawyer, he continued service in the naval reserves for another thirteen years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Settling in Santa Clara County, Jim was a fixture in local law circles. He enjoyed his chosen profession for many reasons. He valued the intellectual stimulation through legal theory and practice. He had endless opportunities to observe diverse aspects of the human condition and meet unique individuals. Most importantly, being a lawyer allowed Jim to help and positively impact the lives of others.
For decades Jim was an active member of the Rotary Club of San Jose, serving in many roles including chairing the International Committee to support humanitarian work in other countries.
A natural raconteur with a sly sense of humor, Jim was a man of vast and varied interests. From the Grand Old Opry to grand opera, camping in Yosemite to attending the World Cup, Jim took in as much of life’s richness as he could and happily shared his many enthusiasms with others. He had a gift for friendship, maintaining strong bonds with former classmates, shipmates, and professional colleagues over many years.
Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara, stepchildren Charles and Alden, and step grandchildren Babs, Nathan, Trevor, and Zoe. He is also survived by his former wife Suzanne, their children Robert, Douglas, and Stephen, and grandson Julian. Jim is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother Woody and stepdaughter Barby Jane.
Memorial services for Jim Little will be held on Friday, April 19th at 12 p.m. at Darling & Fischer, Campbell Memorial Chapel, 231 East Campbell Avenue, Campbell, California. Guests may also stream the service and share memories at www.jameslittlememorial.com
Jim was loved, admired, and will always be missed.