James Michael Deignan

James Michael Deignan peacefully passed from this life on March 31, 2022, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Ellen, their children, Stephanie (Nicholas Coroneos) Deignan, Clare (Simon Outram) Deignan and Therese (James) Tacchini and also his brother, Patrick (Jeanne) Deignan. James was the beloved Grandpa to Jacob Deignan-Levy, Charlotte & Eleanor Outram, and Isabelle Tacchini. He will be remembered fondly by his mother-in-law, Mary Morley, brothers-in law Luke (Lori) Morley, Michael (Robin) Morley and John Morley, sisters-in-law Monica Hinojos and Bernadette (Michael) Osborne as well as by many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. James was born in San Francisco to the late James Mitchell and Frances Mae (née Marron) Deignan on October 3, 1949—a true 49er. A graduate of Polytechnic High School and City College, Jim joined the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department prior to entering the San Francisco Police Department in 1972 and proudly served the city he loved for 42 years. Jim remained at Central Station for most of his career with the exception of a seven-year stint as the Chief’s Public Information Officer in the early 2000’s. Jim served on the Police Officers Association (POA) Board of Directors for eight years and was an elected Commissioner on the San Francisco Health Service System Board for 22 years (1987-2009).

Jim loved basketball and excelled as a player/ coach for the SFPD All-Star Basketball Team and the Olympic Club national team. Co-founding the SFPD Basketball League, Jim led the All-Star Basketball Team to several medals in the California Police Games and a bronze medal at the

International Police Games in Florida (1976). He was inducted into the San Francisco POA Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. A member of the Olympic Club for over 40 years, Jim coached championship teams in the Golden Master and Platinum divisions, playing a major role in bringing the 1st PCAC Championship to the Club in 2012 (Platinum Division).

In addition to the Veteran Police Officers Association, Jim belonged to numerous other organizations, including Native Sons of the Golden West (Twin Peaks Parlor 214), Fryers Club, Poly Lunch Club, the SF Old-Time Athletes and Baseball Old-Timers of San Francisco. He had been a Lifetime member of the Godfathers’ Club (St. Vincent’s School, San Rafael, CA) since 1979.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Vigil Service on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 6:30 PM, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Valley and Church Streets, S.F, CA. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Church on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 10:00 AM. Graveside service to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Mission Rd., Colma, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or to your favorite charity.