James Walter Mickey

Personal History: Jim was born in Berkley, California and in early childhood moved with his family to Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The family returned to California where Jim, as a teenager, attended the Montclair Unified School district. In 1965 he enlisted in the US Navy as a machinist for the USS Midway and the USS Annapolis. He was a long term resident of Mira Loma California, working as an instrument technician and automation specialist for and retiring from Edison. Hobbies: Jim was a true family man. One of his greatest passions was his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play soccer and grow up. He enjoyed telling stories of his awesome time growing up, learning to fish, hunt and have fun with family and friends in Wisconsin. Jim loved his yard, where he planted over 90 fruit trees. He said the yard would give him breath as he walked and talked about how he felt closest to God while in his yard and garden. Jim also enjoyed camping and fishing with friends and family in the Eastern Sierras and June Lake Loop area. He would go out in his boat all day just talking to the fish, relaxing and possibly not catching anything. He would return to camp smiling and stating, “It is not called catching it called fishing.” Jim loved to bake bread and was always trying to create better sour dough bread. His bread making was another way for him to relax, baking enough bread for friends and family to have a fresh loaf every day or so. A friend who called Jim his brother stated, “I admired him in many ways, his work ethic, his character, and his walk with the Lord, his love for his son and the way he loved and treasured his wife.” Jim, Grandpa, Honey, Dad, Bro, Friend, will be loved and missed, into Eternity. For the past several years the UCR Applied Biological Control Research: Harry Scott Smith Scholarship Fund has been using our yard, trees, and a variety of bugs to continue their research on problems that affect citrus. Jim would love knowing that you donated to their cause in lieu of sending flowers. To navigate to the donation site Click on open the Brochure There will also be brochures and envelopes, at the service to use for Donations. Survived by: Wife-Valerie Son and family; David (Sarah) Grandchildren-Megan, Joshua, Andrew, Zachary, Jamie Mickey Sister-Jackie Osmonson & Family- Niece Karen (Jeff) Lintott & Son Mitchell; Nephew Rob (Susan) Daughters Alyssa & Ashley; Nephew Jimmy Osmonson Brother-Tom Mickey & Family; Nephew; Steven (Missy) Daughter-Jillian; Nephew; John(Regina)& Children-Caleb and Karly Other close family members-Russell (Tami) Ojeil & Daughters Megan & Hali Patrick (Kristen) Ojeil & Son Brady Preceded in Death by Parents William & Virginia Mickey; Brother in law & friend- Jack Osmonson