James Robert Cazares

James "Jim" Robert Cazares, 90, born on July 10, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, passed away February 11, 2017 after a long battle with cancer. Jim was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather. Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances, his sister Mary Lou, and his three sons: Jimmy (Lori), Perry (Cyndee), and Jeff. Jim also leaves behind three grandchildren (April, Shayleen, Cory) and 3 great grandchildren (Stephanie, Carly, Caiden).

Born in East Los Angeles to a family of 14 and the youngest of 12 children to mother Anita and father Joseph, Jim applied himself through electronics. Jim studied engineering and worked at North American Aircrafts and defense factories during World War II. He excelled at Frank Wiggins Trade School where he started his career as a licensed Federal Operator after completing the Radio Telegrapher test in 1943. Jim worked as a devoted Merchant Marine on the Angus McDonald Liberty Ship where he prepared for war while anchored in Milne Bay in the Southern Pacific.

Jim, known by many as "Sparks" for his work decoding communications, was aboard many ships as a Merchant Marine including the O.B. Martin. He travelled through the Panama Canal and all over the Pacific Ocean, Europe, Germany, and parts of the Middle East. Jim worked on the California Bear for 17 years working as a radio operator and made trips to Vietnam during the war. When out and about, Jim would don his Merchant Marine lids with pride and honor.

Jim had many interests. He loved to dance, bowl, cook, and do yoga. When home, Jim loved to watch Oprah and endless amounts of tennis matches. Jim continued his career through retirement as a member of the Emergency Radio Group RACES with the Seal Beach Police Department. Jim was also a member of the American Legion Post 857. Jim was a member of the Senior Bowling League in Westminster, and a Member of the Long Beach Elks Club Lodge #888 for many years.

Jim loved his family dearly. As a grandpa, Jim made trips to the mountains and beaches in his motorhome with the grandkids, and watched hundreds of softball, baseball, soccer, and basketball games. Most recently, Jim and Frances celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary last year, and Jim celebrated his 90th birthday. It was a surprise birthday party at El Torito and Jim loved it. Jim lived every day to the fullest with enthusiasm and humor. Anyone who knew Jim knew his laugh, good charm, and his love for life. He was loved dearly and will be sorely missed. May Jim forever rest in peace and be our guiding angel.

He resided in Los Alamitos, California at the time of his passing. A viewing will be held on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Forest Lawn (Hope Chapel), Cypress, California, and the funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 11:30 AM at Forest Lawn (Church of Our Fathers), Cypress, California.