James O. Gaultney

James O. Gaultney - Passed away peacefully, and surrounded by family, in his Petaluma home at age 85 on October 10, 2011. Born in Ennis, Texas on September 16, 1926, he was raised in Hutchinson, Kansas. During World War II, he was a proud member of the US Navy, serving as a tail gunner in 25 missions over Japan. Following his military service, he moved to Napa and then to Petaluma where he proudly raised his three children â?? Steve, Rick and Kim Gaultney. As owner of Hagstromâ??s Supermarket for 35 years, he had the opportunity to contribute to the community he loved. In the mid-1990's, he sold the shopping center to the Petaluma School District. The shopping center is now home to the District Administration Building. In retirement, he remained active and loved to travel, often to Arkansas, with his wife and best friend of 12 years, Beverly Beck Gaultney, whom was a childhood friend of Jim and his first wife, Freida Gaultney. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Bev; his children, Steve, Rick and Kim Gaultney; his grandchildren, Jennifer Magnusson, Tara Sloan, Peter Gaultney, Rachel Nicodemus and Matt Nicodemus; his great-grandchildren, Silas Sloan, Ethan Sloan, Kaya Gaultney and Aden Gaultney and his step-children, Larry and Linda Beck and Gary and Mary Beck. Jim was pre-deceased by his wife of 57 years, Freida Gaultney. We love and miss them both tremendously. The family would especially like to thank his loving caregivers, Claudia Avila & Elizabeth Avila, who brought so much care, comfort, support, love and friendship to both Jim and Bev. Words cannot express our gratitude. A public visitation will be held from 3:00 - 7:00 at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary on Friday, October 14th. The family will hold a private burial ceremony on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made, in his honor, to Hospice of Petaluma.