Charles Edward James, Sr.

Charles Edward James, Sr. was born November 9, 1931, in De Soto, Missouri, to George Edward and Novine (Smith) James. He passed away Friday, May 20, 2016, in Whittier, California, at the age of 84.



Chuck spent his first years in Missouri, but his family moved to Alhambra, California as a young boy. He grew up and went to school there, graduating from Alhambra High School. Shortly after high school, Chuck was drafted into the US Army and served his country honorably in the Korean Conflict.



Following the war, Charles went to school to become a Technical Illustrator. His career path included welding, aerospace, and printing. His welding experience included nearly 10 years of float building for the parade. The highlight of that time was actually driving a float one year. With North American Rockwell, Charles worked on projects associated with the Apollo space program. He was always quick to mention, however, that he did NOT work on Apollo 13! In 1976, an entrepreneurial spirit led Charles to open La Mirada Printing in La Mirada, California. He expanded his business a few years later to include The Village Printer in Norwalk, California. After a fire destroyed the La Mirada shop, he simply continued to serve all his customers from Norwalk location.



Charles married Jacquelyn Root, and they made their home in La Mirada, California. To their marriage came three children: Brian, Charles Jr., and Karla. He later married Carolyn Minor and was blessed with another daughter, Jenny. Chuck is survived by his children Brian (Denise) James, and Charles Chuckie James Jr., and Jenny (Mike) Molnar; his sister, Mary James; 8 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Carolyn; a close sister, Georgia; daughter, Karla; and a grandson, Timothy.



A very religious man, Charles was baptized, along with Carolyn, on April 1, 1971. He has remained a dedicated servant to Jehovah since that time.



Chuck enjoyed life! When it came to music and cars, Chuck never left the 1950s. He loved anything but Elvis from that era. His mechanical nature helped pave the way for the exiting hobbies of his younger years. A real adrenaline junkie, he raced motorcycles on the speedway, as well as drag boats. He also had his pilots license and liked to go flying. Over the years he settled down. RC Planes replaced the Cesna and he only raced to McDonalds at 9am M-F to have coffee with his Coffee Crew.



As much as he enjoyed all these things, spending time with his family is what he loved most! He is remembered by them as a kind, compassionate man who was always smiling. He maintained an amazingly positive attitude, never complaining about anything. His wisdom and great advice were also a blessing to his family.



Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 E. Philadelphia St., in Whittier, California. Interment will immediately follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park, also in Whittier.