James M. Tunzi

Jim passed away peacefully in Petaluma on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the age of 90. A lifelong Sonoma County resident, he was born in Petaluma to the late Alfred and Gladys Tunzi. He grew up on the family ranch with his (late) brother, Lester and sisters, (late) Frieda and (late) Grace and graduated from Petaluma High School in 1954.

For more than 40 years, Jim and his brother Lester operated Tunzi Brothers Excavation. He was known for operating a backhoe as effortlessly as playing a piano. He also sponsored and played on the Tunzi Bros. Excavating softball team for many years.

Jim loved the outdoors, hunting, and spending time at the family ranch in Geyserville. He had a passion for raising beef cattle and calving season brought him great joy. He also loved going to horse races and betting on the horses. He coached all his sons in baseball and rarely missed an opportunity to support his children and grandchildren at sporting events, dance recitals, graduations, and other special occasions.

He was a longtime member of the Oak Leaf Card Club, where he hosted for many years, as well as the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Petaluma Druids Harmony Grove 38, and the Swiss Italian Club.

Jim was the beloved husband of the late Joan Tunzi of Petaluma, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. He was the father of Mike Tunzi, Cheri Carney (the late Don), Larry Tunzi (Jill), Terry Tunzi, and Rick Tunzi (Julie); grandfather of Hailey, Caila, Tony, Danielle, Jake, Megan, and Dena; and great-grandfather of seven; Riley, Jace, Charlotte, Sawyer, Emery, Sadie, and Beau.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his caregiver, Va, for the loving care, kindness, and companionship she provided. Over time, she became much more than a caregiver—she became a cherished member of the family.

Private entombment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Petaluma.