Patricia Ann James

Patricia Ann James
May 8, 1943 – October 16, 2013
Pat James, 70, passed suddenly and peacefully in her home in Upland, CA on Wednesday October 16th when she lost her struggle with bladder cancer. PJ, as she was known to most of her friends, was a 23 year resident of the southern California area.
Pat was born in Mammoth Spring, AR in her maternal grandmother's home. She lived in Ash Flat, Trumann, and Hardy, AR as she was growing up. She attended both Trumann and Hardy high schools from 1957 to 1961. Pat moved to southern California for the first time in 1961 and worked for General Dynamics in Pomona until she joined American Airlines in flight service as a stewardess. During her 30 year career with American she lived in Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, Manhattan, Dallas - Ft. Worth, and El Segundo. Pat was promoted several times and her last position with American was Base Manager of Flight Service at LAX. In 1999 after retiring from American Pat joined the cast of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. She worked in Store Operations in both "front of the house" as well as stock. Always an active member of her community Pat also donated her time to the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, and Meals on Wheels. She will be remembered as a warm and loving person, a friend to all, a dedicated step-mother and wife, and the "best boss you ever had".
She is survived by her mother, Eileen Rose Sillo of Rancho Cucamonga, her husband, Dean Smith, two step-children, Kirsten Stephen and her husband Daniel of Spring, TX and Derek Smith and his wife Dawna of Kansas City. MO, two sisters, Sherri Adams of Jonesboro, AR, and Perrianne Phelan of Lampasas, TX, a brother-in-law, Stan Smith and his wife Sheri and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many other relatives as well as countless friends and individuals whom she touched in her kind and generous life.
There will be a memorial service and celebration of Pat's life at the Doubletree by Hilton at the Ontario, CA Airport (222 N. Vineyard Ave.) on Saturday November 9, 2013 starting at 4:00pm until 9:00pm. Anyone wishing to remember Pat, share memories, or otherwise recognize her is invited to attend. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in Pat's name to the American Cancer Society or to Wings.