James Nicholas Janakes

James Nicholas Janakes of Petaluma, California passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous ten-month battle with cancer on March 24th, 2016 at the age of 67. James, affectionately known as Jim was born in San Francisco, California. He was a beloved son of Ethel and Nicholas Janakes (Deceased), brother of Diane Janakes-Zasada and son-in-law of Stella and Joaquin Almada (Deceased). Jim graduated from Washington High School in San Francisco in 1966. Later he served his country in the United States Air Force, from 1968-1972. In 1973, shortly after being honorably discharged after his tour of duty in Vietnam, he married the love of his life, Carol Lynn Almada. While completing an Associate's Degree from City College of San Francisco, Jim became a Police Officer to provide for his loving wife and two children, Jennifer and Joseph. While raising his children, Jim's true passion for serving and caring for others began to develop. After 20 years of service to the San Francisco Police Department, Jim selflessly gave his time to the things he cherished most, his family and community. He took the title bestowed upon him of, "Papa" by his grandchildren very seriously by showing his love and support for everything that was important in their lives. Papa always found a way to be at their soccer games, school performances and baptisms. He generously gave the balance of his time to his community through tireless volunteer service. It started off innocently by coaching youth sports and then serving on the local school board after moving to Petaluma, California to raise his family. In his later years, Jim was the past president of Petaluma 7-11 Lions Club, founder of the Petaluma Wheelman Cycling Club, and proud member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), who shared his beliefs about the community. He and his brothers at the IOOF believed through friendship, love, and truth, working in our communities, that they can make a difference in the lives of people in the world. Jim made a difference through his thoughtful service to improve the lives of others selflessly without any desire for recognition and is an inspiration to all. His dedication included establishing a scholarship to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to pursue higher education. Jim is survived by his wife Carol of 42 years of Petaluma, California; his daughter Jennifer Reid of Petaluma, California, her husband Dan Reid and their daughter Rebecca Reid; his son Joseph Janakes of Dublin, California, his wife Racheal Janakes, and their children, Caleb, Braden, Ashby and Austin Janakes; his sister Diane Janakes-Zasada, her husband Paul Zasada and their son Anthony Zasada; his nephew Chris Hershwitzky; numerous family, friends and his dog Sara. Services for Jim Janakes will take place on at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory, 850 Keokuk St, Petaluma, CA 94952. There will be a viewing on Sunday, April 10th from 11am-5pm and funeral services will be on Monday, April 11th at 11 am. A celebration of Jim's life takes place on May 1st, 2016 at 2 pm in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Building at 1094 Petaluma Blvd South, Petaluma, CA 94952. Jim's legacy of selfless service can continue perpetuity. Instead of flowers, his family requests making memorial gifts in honor of Jim's life by either mailing a check to Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation, 1501 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, or by credit card at the following link: http://foundation.santarosa.edu/. Please be sure to earmark the gift for the Janakes Family Scholarship. The Janakes Family Scholarship provides students with disabilities an opportunity to pursue higher education. Jim was always gracious for those who served him and his family. He was thankful to everyone who offered their love, support, prayers and service to him and his wife during his battle with cancer. He was grateful that despite the adversity of cancer that Dr. Daniel Maloney MD, of Kaiser Permanente in Terra Linda, caringly, with dignity, and respect fought to keep, "the glass half full" of optimism while being honest every step of the way. Jim pedaled and pushed hard throughout his life including in his final race against cancer. It wasn't about winning and losing for Jim; it was all about the effort. His inspiration comes from a fellow cyclist, Lance Armstrong, who once said, "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside, and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. That surrender, even the smallest act of giving up, stays with me. So when I feel like quitting, I ask myself, which would I rather live with?" Jim never surrendered or quit, he gave his best effort in life and will always, "live strong". Visitation

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory

Sunday, April 10, 2016 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM 850 Keokuk Street Petaluma, California 94952 Directions Funeral Service

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory

Monday, April 11, 2016 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 850 Keokuk Street Petaluma, California 94952 Directions Interment

Cypress Hill Memorial Park

Monday, April 11, 2016 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM 430 Magnolia Avenue Petaluma, CA 94952 Directions