James L. "Jim or Jimmy" Mendoza

            James (Jim or Jimmy), age 74, passed away suddenly on August 17th, 2023. He was born on September 25, 1948, in Kentfield, California. Devoted husband for almost 55 years to Luci Mendoza.

            Jim was a graduate of Tomales High School class of 1966 where he excelled at baseball and football.

Jim’s family roots stretch back to the early 1900’s in Pt. Reyes. Every day was an adventure for him. He spent many hours swinging through cypress trees and working on the dairy.

In 1966, Jim met his bride at California Polytechnic State University (SLO). By Christmas, 1968 Jim and Luci were engaged and married in 1969.  Jim joined the National Guard and after training, moved into the family beach cabin on Tomales Bay until their home on the B ranch was ready to move into. For the next 10 years Jim and Luci raised their 3 kids out on the Pt. In 1979, they moved to Petaluma and started the JLT Ranch. It was there where Jim and Luci worked endless hours on the dairy. The years were filled with hard work, kids and community service.

Jim was a board member for many years for the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. He was a member of North Bay Ag Alliance, Western United Dairymen, Western Organic Dairy Producers, YMI and Petaluma Elks.

Jim spent much of his life hunting with his family. He loved to support his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews in their sporting activities. He would drive for hours to see the kids play. He spent endless hours on the golf course and of course adored his wife unconditionally. Jim loved to travel with his family. His most recent trip he took his entire family to the Azores. Jim was a storyteller. He never met a stranger. He had a heart of gold.

Jim is predeceased by his parents Joe & Scotty Mendoza and his sister and brother, Sharon & Joey. He is survived by his wife Luci, son J.V., son Jamie (Tammy) and daughter Teresa Hatcher (Kelsey). He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Friends and family are invited to a brief service, Tuesday, September 5th at 1O:00 AM at St. Vincent da Paul Church, 35 Liberty Street, Petaluma with a reception to follow at the Petaluma Golf & Country Club, 1500 Country Club Drive.

Donations in Jim’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Stanford Medical Center or the charity of your choice.

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