James Meza Jr.

James Meza Jr., age 59, of Ontario, California, passed away in the presence of his family at City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, California on January 27, 2025 after a year-long battle with cancer. 

James, also known as “Jaimito” or “Jim”, was born on June 30, 1965 in Upland, California to Martha and Jaime Meza. James grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, California riding bicycles and playing sports around the neighborhood with his brother Hector, cousins, and neighborhood friends. While attending Chaffey High School, James excelled at football and eventually earned a scholarship to play at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. In 1987, James graduated from the university with a bachelor’s degree in history.

On June 19, 1989, James was hired at Farmers Insurance, where he would work for the next 35 plus years. While working at Farmers Insurance, James met and fell in love with the love of his life, Jovita Alaniz. The two married at the Christmas House on May 5, 1996. Together, they raised their two children, Michelle and James, and enjoyed a loving and committed 28 years of marriage.

Throughout his life, James embodied the characteristics of hard work, responsibility, and dedication. Family meant everything to James, especially his wife, children, and grandson. For this reason, James sacrificed to provide for their needs, cherished every second of quality time spent with them, and loved them affectionately and unconditionally.

As a devout Catholic, James attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Upland, California. Starting in 2007, James, along with his wife Jovita, volunteered and served in the marriage enrichment ministry at St. Joseph’s for 18 years. At St. Joseph’s, James made lifelong friends, served his community, and cultivated his relationship with Jesus Christ. 

In addition to his devoted commitment to family, church, and work, James loved road trips, learning about history, making his family laugh, woodworking, going to music concerts, visiting national monuments and parks, attending museums, watching sports and movies, and attending family gatherings.

James’ presence will be sorely missed by his family and friends for the coming years. However, his life, character, sense of humor, and legacy will live on in memory.

James is survived by his wife Jovita Meza, son James Michael Meza, daughter Michelle Patton, son-in-law Christian Patton, grandson Jackson Patton, mother Martha Meza, and brother Hector Meza.

Services for James Meza Jr. will be held on March 3, 2025. A rosary prayer service will be held at 9:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church (877 N. Campus Ave., Upland CA 91786), followed by a mass at 10:00 am. After mass, James’ burial service will be held at approximately 11:30 am at Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Garden of Christian Heritage (21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina CA 91724).