James Sulzer

James D. Sulzer passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 24, 2021 after a long battle with Lung Cancer.

Jim was born to Elizabeth & Sidney in Talihina, Oklahoma on 8/15/1941.  He lived in Petaluma with his wife, Delmy Sulzer, and his precious pooch Norman.

His family moved to CA when he and his sister were young and this is where he planted his roots.  Jim was always trying to better himself.  He worked in the mills up in Red Bluff, CA and joined the police academy as an “older” recruit.  In his 40’s, he started working at San Quentin prison and finished his duty there working on death row.  He was very proud of his Cherokee heritage and spent time learning all about that culture.

Jim loved to come dressed to impress, was an avid member of the “Raider Nation”, a model car collector and he really loved to spoil his dogs.  Jim was a fun-loving man who cherished his family. He enjoyed good food, reading, playing games with friends and, of course, sneaking away to the casino with Delmy.

He is survived by his wife Delmy, his children: Elise “Meana” Pryatel, Kevin “Max” Sulzer, Christopher “Crisco” Ramirez.   Step Children: Renee O’Hare & Chimene Rosales. 10 Grandchildren:  Peyton & Mark Sulzer, Trinnity Pryatel(deceased), Trace & Laney Sulzer, Dominic Ramirez (deceased), Bennett Ramirez, Scarlett Ramirez, Isaiah & Maya O’Hare.

Jim always took folks under his wing and treated them as his own, he was a father figure to many others – Papa Bear to Anjie Schell and American Father to all of the boys they hosted from China.

He will be missed.

.