Ralph 'Jim' James Symons

Ralph James "Jim" Symons passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 27, 2024. He was 77 years old. Jim is survived by his wife, Sue Mossi Symons, and their three adored children, Shane and his wife Suzy, Emily and her husband Erik, Jaime and her husband Mario and Jim's beloved grandchildren, Brooke and Jake Symons. Jim was born on October 10, 1946 to Delma and Bill Symons. He was the second born of eight children. Jim attended Wilson Elementary School and graduated from Petaluma High School in 1964. He left Petaluma to attend San Jose State University, where he supported himself as a dishwasher to pay his way through school, graduating in accounting in 1969. Afterward, Jim attended Notre Dame Law School, earning his Juris Doctor in 1974. His studies included a year in London and time as the Legal Aid-Tax Director of the Law Review. Jim built a long and prestigious career in accounting and tax law starting off with the US Securities & Exchange Commissions, and then working for top global firms, including Coopers & Lybrand, Arthur Anderson, and Bechtel Engineering. He was the President of the Northern California Chapter of the American Association of Attorney-CPAs and past Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Section of the State Bar of CA. In 2006, he left the corporate world to open his estate and tax planning firm, Symons Law, where he served family estates, individuals, and local businesses, devotedly working from early morning until late into the night. He genuinely enjoyed what he did. We'll miss seeing the light on in his office. Outside of his career and family, Jim loved tennis, water skiing, scuba diving, and most of all traveling. He was passionate about education and exploring the world, visiting dozens of countries throughout his life and always planning his next big trip. He enjoyed organizing iconic annual houseboat trips to Lake Shasta with family and friends, where he and Sue taught dozens of kids to water ski and wakeboard over the years. He was a loving (and patient) husband to his wife of 44 years, a proud father and grandfather, a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, colleague, a good friend, and a mentor to many. Despite declining health over the past few years, Jim's determined spirit and tenacity for life remained resolute. His essence can best be captured by his final birthday, which he hosted last October. He personally phoned and invited his most cherished family and friends. There, over great wine, food, and friendship, he asked each guest to stand, and, one by one, he told a memorable story about them and expressed his love and gratitude for their role in his life. His final toast of the evening: "Although I have had some health issues recently, don't feel sorry for me. I have a great life. I have a wonderful wife and wonderful children and grandchildren, who I am so proud of. And I have wonderful friends in all of you, who I cherish deeply. Cheers!" A Celebration of Life is being planned and more information will be shared by the family in the future. "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, February 8th 11am at the Petaluma First Presbyterian Church on 939 B street and a reception to follow will happen at the Yacht Club downtown.