James Mashburn

May 29, 1940 - February 1, 2024

James Lonelle Mashburn was born in San Diego on May 29, 1940, to parents, Jesse Mashburn and Bernice Meeden. He grew up in a Navy family, crisscrossing the country many times over the course of his childhood. Jim was a proud member of the Naval Academy, class of 1965, following two years at Menlo College and a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps. He left the Academy and joined the enlisted Navy in multiple administrative assignments in Europe and North America. During this time, he completed a B.S. and M.B.A. from George Washington University. His civilian career included many years as a financial officer with the Veterans Administration in Newark, Chicago, Manhattan, Puerto Rico and San Francisco. Following an early retirement from federal service, he owned a furniture business in San Francisco.

Jim had a big laugh and a bigger heart. He made friends with everyone, even the toll taker on the Golden Gate Bridge. Always ready with a good story, he was the life of the party. He loved San Francisco and always considered it home, wherever he lived. Art museums were an ever-present passion, which he shared as a docent in Racine and Milwaukee. In his last years, he found joy in his own creativity in the art therapy program at his senior center.

Jim died peacefully, with his children by his side, in New Jersey on February 1, 2024 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his dear companion, Rebecca Martin; his sister, Lynne Fletcher; his children, David Mashburn and Sandra; son-in-law, Mark Andermanis; and grandchildren, Nicole, Casey and Logan Andermanis.