James L. Maestretti

James L. Maestretti died peacefully at his home in Petaluma on April 19, 2024.

Jim was born May 15, 1942 in beautiful Petaluma, CA, to Pete and Isolena Maestretti. He grew up on a dairy ranch in Chileno Valley with his older sister Laverne and brother Bill. He met the love of his life, Linda, when they were very young – they became high school sweethearts who then had the great, great fortune to spend 62 wonderful years happily married. The two were rarely apart; anyone who knew them knew that their devotion to one another was all-encompassing, rare, special. Linda passed away in November 2022, and we know they’re happy to be reunited now.

Jim was hardworking and entrepreneurial. He hauled hay, he drove a truck for Shell Oil, and worked with Oliver Kullberg who taught him a lot. Jim loved talking to people, he loved helping people, and he found that real estate was a perfect career for him – he co-founded a real estate firm, The Land Company, with Tom Baker.

He had the gift of gab – if you’re reading this, odds are good that you had at least one conversation with Jim during his 81 years on this planet. That might have been on the golf course, during the many years he played at (and occasionally played pranks at) the Petaluma Golf and Country Club. Or at Marvin’s, where he ate so many breakfasts with dear friends – some of those friendships stretching all the way back to childhood. He was the unofficial family photographer, faithfully capturing every birthday party, baseball game, tennis match, and so many special moments. He loved blackjack and poker; he and Linda took many fun trips to Tahoe and Reno for gambling (and steak and eggs) together. Even in his last months and days, when speaking was very hard for him, he was still able to tell the people he loved, “I love you.”

Jim is survived by his children Jimmy Maestretti and Natalie (Maestretti) Neve (Victor); his grandchildren, Danielle Maestretti (Chris), Brian Maestretti, Mitchell Neve (Amanda), and Spencer Neve (Kaylie); and his great-grandchildren, Max, Jack, Lennon, Nash, Cheyenne, and Wylee. He is preceded in death by his loving parents Peter and Isolena (Beretta) Maestretti; his brother Bill Maestretti and his sister Laverne Noble (Dave); and his beloved wife Linda.

The family would like to thank the community for all of the love and support through Jim’s illness – especially Doreen, Vesi and his caregiving team; Kristina and Hospice of Petaluma; and Dr. Leoni. There will be a joint celebration of life for Jim and Linda at the Petaluma Elks Lodge on June 2, at 1 pm (lunch will be served). In the meantime, donations may be made to Hospice of Petaluma.