James ( Jim) Allen Egide
April 22, 1934 - July 31, 2023
James (Jim) Allen Egide passed from this world in the early morning hours of Monday, July 31st at the age of 89. With the help of his loving family, Jim valiantly battled over the last year, at his home in Phoenix, the horrible disease of dementia.
Jim was born at St. Joseph's hospital on April 22, 1934 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Marcella and Allen Egide. A typical Egide with endless energy, Jim excelled in his scholastic life and his athletic endeavors. He attended St. Jude grade school and Pius XI high school. Throughout those years, he played baseball and football. His love and natural talent for baseball led him to play several years of semi-pro baseball in the Milwaukee area.
At Pius High School in 1952, Jim met the one and only love of his life, Mary Ann Lieg. They were married in 1954 and for 69 years were inseparable partners until his passing. He graduated from Marquette University in 1956 with a business degree and embarked on a long, successful, entrepreneurial life. Jim’s first job was with Formica Corporation but his entrepreneurial zeal could not be contained. He embarked on a successful investing career that led him to the diverse arenas of real estate development, cosmetics manufacturing and equestrian ownership.
In order to optimize his business opportunities and his families success, Jim moved his family West, first to Arizona and then to California. After moving to California, Jim founded Carme Cosmetics Inc. in 1976. This innovative company was ground breaking in its call to natural cosmetics, cruelty free ingredients and creative new products, like the first liquid soap.
Living in the Bay Area and having a love for sports, it was only natural that Jim was drawn to the San Francisco 49ers. He had season tickets for the team the entire time they played at Candlestick Park. He and his family thoroughly enjoyed Sunday game days, tailgating, and the excitement of watching the 49er dynasty evolve. Being a native Wisconsinite, he also maintained his affinity for the Green Bay Packers.
He later developed a love for thoroughbred horse racing. Many days were spent enjoying the ambiance at Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows. Jim had a natural connection with the owners, trainers, jockeys and even the horses in this industry.
A life well lived, Jim had a clever and astute demeanor. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Ann and was preceded in death by his youngest child, Ann. Additional surviving family members include sons Mark, Scott, Darryl, Shawn and Allen and daughters Sandy and Kim. The family had grown to include 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Years ago, at the annual Christmas gathering, Jim loved playing Santa Claus. His generosity, his love for life and family will live on with us all.
Funeral Services are scheduled for:
Friday, August 25th at 1pm
St. Isabellas Church, 1 Trinity Way, San Rafael, 94903.