James Henry Sherman

James (Jim) Henry Sherman Jr. passed away peacefully with his family near, at his home in Norwalk, California on Wednesday, January 4, 2012. Jim was 83 years young. He was born in Riverside, California on September 11, 1928 to James and Marguerite Sherman of Whittier, California.Jim attended schools in Whittier and went to Whittier High School. He was proud to be a Whittier Cardinal. There he lettered in football, track and field. He very much enjoyed those years. Jim made several lifelong friends at Whittier High and looked forward to every alumni event since. After high school, Jim got a job at Standard Oil Co. where he was able to work with his best friend in the world, his dad. Jim loved racing and was part of the Evans racing team. He spoke fondly of driving the Evans Special in Bonneville reaching speed in excess of 170 mph. At this time he also attended Whittier college part time until 1950 when he was drafted in to the Army.Jim served most of his time in Alaska with an Engineering Core there to build roads and a new military base. It was there his talent for cooking provided a turn in his Army career as he was quickly promoted to cook for the officer staff on base. After receiving his discharge papers Jim moved back to Whittier and landed a job as a painter while he served two more years in the Army Reserve. In 1953, Jim met and quickly fell in love with Shirley DeVega of Los Angeles. On May 1, 1954 they were married in Las Vegas. In that same year they purchased their home in Norwalk, California and started their family.In the next five years Jim and Shirley had four children. Jim continued painting for others till he earned his own contractors license in 1967. He continued painting through the years and at 83 years old he retired upon his diagnosis of stomach cancer. This was just a few months prior to his passing.Jim seemed to have boundless energy and was very involved with many children's activities, including Little League, where he coached for several years as well as a league board member. He was involved in Ice Skating where he served as President of the DeMorra speed skating club. Other activities he enjoyed with his family included: cycling, cooking, skiing, camping, motor cross and fishing.Jim had a natural gift for horticulture. He was a member of the Los Angeles International Fern Society and was active with the Green Scene in Fullerton for several years. He loved growing unusual varieties of plants and shared them with all who showed an interest. However, of all the cubs and affiliations Jim belonged to his most beloved was the B.P.O.E. or ELKs. Following in his father's footsteps in Jim joined the Whittier Elks in 1962. After the passing of his father, Jim transferred his membership to the Paramount Elks lodge in 1970. He loved the fellowship and comradery at the lodge and made many dear friends. There he cooked, danced, sang, laughed, loved and served others with the zeal throughout his 50 years of membership. Jim was a lifetime member of the Elks. He served as a 5 yr Trustee, Funeral Chairman and was honored as Elk-of-the-year in '96-'97. Some of his fondest memories were of the semi annual Mexico fishing trips him and several of his friends, fellow Elks, would go on. Jim had a very vibrant personality, and adventurous spirit. He had a sharp wit and a great and broad sense of humor. He loved to laugh. He lived every minute of his life to its very fullest. Jim was a patient husband, loving father, good neighbor, proud American, and a dear and wonderful friend of many. He was a very hard-working and honest man. Jim Sherman will be greatly missed.Jim is survived by his 4 children; Pamela Prather of Meridian, Idaho, James (Cheryl) Sherman of La Habra, California, Kristi Sherman of Santa Monica, California, and Dennis (Bridget) Sherman of Duncanville, Texas. His survivors also include 7 grandchildren; Ashley Sherman, Katelyn (Prather) Milich, James Sherman IV, Kimberlee Sherman, Hannah Prather, Joshuah Sherman and Eyvette Sherman; his Great-grandson Bently Milich; 4 Step-grandchildren, Brook Espanoza, Megan Nelson, Jade Ruvolo; step Great-granddaughter Jayla Espanoza; nieces Lynn Van Luchen, Carol Laponuke, Janice Maddox; nephew Gary (Bud) Capley; and niece Patrice Angus.Jim was preceded in death by his beloved father James H. Sherman Sr. November 1, 1969; mother Marguerite Sherman, May 9, 1989; his sister Geraldine Capley, November 25, 2000; and his wife of 56 years, Shirley N. Sherman 9, 2010.Services will be held this Friday, January 13, 2012 at 2:30 PM at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 East Philadelphia Street, Whittier, California. Reception immediately following. There is also an Elks Memorial service scheduled Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Paramount Elks Lodge, 8108 Alondra Blvd. Paramount, California 90723.In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Madison Friend Foundation, 14802 Gandesa Rd., La Mirada, California 90638, or to The American Cancer Society.