James Maffia

James "Jim" Maffia - Passed away peacefully on February 3, 2007 with his family by his side. Born November 11, 1925 in Sonoma, CA, Jim was raised on a small dairy farm. He loved working with his hands; farming was his first love. At age 18, his family moved to San Francisco and Jim worked at an Italian bakery as a baker. Several years later, during WWII, he was drafted into the US Army. Upon discharge, he moved to Petaluma and resumed doing the work he loved-farming. In 1955, he decided to give the business world a try. He and his brother Pete Maffia opened the Trio Auto Wreckers located on Lakeville Street in Petaluma. In 1960, he and his brother Paul Maselli formed M. Maselli & Sons Hardware. In 1974, he decided to leave the business world, but continued to work for the company until his retirement in 2002. In retirement he went back to farming on a part-time basis. Jim was a loving person with a big heart always ready and willing to help anyone in need. He leaves behind his loving daughters, Lena Illingworth and her husband Jim, and Deanna Rice and her husband Chris; granddaughter Ciarra Illingworth and grandson Jamie Rice; his sister Josephine Pucci and brothers Pete Maffia and Paul Maselli. Preceded in death by his parents Pietro Maffia and Lena Maselli, his step-father Micheli Maselli, his daughter Genoeffa Maffia and his sister Mary Maselli. He also leaves behind many other relatives and close friends. He was a lifetime member of the Harmony Grove Druids and the Sons of Italy of Petaluma. Friends and family are invited to attend the Funeral Liturgy, Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. at the PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA (707) 763-4131. A Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Thursday at the Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA 94952 or your favorite charity. Private Interment: Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Petaluma.