James Borgmeyer (Veteran)

James Bernard "Jim" Borgmeyer, age 68, Sacramento, Calif., passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2010, after defying the odds and courageously battling cancer. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Jim was born on February 7, 1942, in Loose Creek, Missouri, eldest son of nine children born to Lambert and Mary Agnes Borgmeyer. He initially followed a religious vocation by studying the priesthood at the La Salette Seminary for two years, and later graduated from Helias High School, both in Jefferson City, Mo. He went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964, as a Radioman on the U.S.S. Mount Katmai. At only 19 years of age, he was the youngest Radioman in the Pacific fleet to achieve the rank of E5. He was sent overseas four times to Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, Okinawa, Guam and the Philippines. After his tour of duty in the Navy, he settled in Northern California. He was hired at Sears as a "tire-buster" in 1964. He was promoted numerous times throughout his career, and was located in Concord, San Jose, Chico, and Sacramento, as well as the regional headquarters in Hayward while he was the Regional Auto Center Manager for 38 stores in Northern California. After 39 years with the company, he retired as the Store Manager for Sears Sunrise, the fifth largest store in the nation. At the time of his retirement, he was the only person to achieve this position without a college degree. He enjoyed a variety of sports; primarily fishing, golfing, baseball and football. He loved taking long road trips with his wife, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a kind, generous, hardworking, strong man who always had time to help others, and never wavered in loyalty to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Connie; his six children: Diana Borgmeyer, James B. Borgmeyer II, Kelly Royse, Machelle Borgmeyer, Tina DeRita, and Tom Borgmeyer; sons-in-law, Darrin DeRita and Bill Royse; daughter-in-law, Karina Borgmeyer; his five grandchildren: Brittani DeRita, Steffani DeRita, Jarid DeRita, Daltry Royse and Rachelle Borgmeyer, all residing in Northern California; his siblings: Nancy Zimmer of Brinktown, Mo., Dot Grotemeyer of Columbia, Mo., Dan Borgmeyer of Cary, N.C., Larry Borgmeyer of Lee's Summit, Mo., Jerry Borgmeyer of St. Joseph, Mo., and Gary Borgmeyer of Holts Summit, Mo., and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Mary Beth Borgmeyer and Robert Borgmeyer. A viewing will take place Thursday, December 2, 2010, at 1 p.m. at the Holy Cross Cemetery, 2200 E. 18th St. Antioch, CA., concluding with a rosary at 3 p.m. Mass and funeral services will be held on Friday, December 3, 2010, at 1 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 1313 "A" St., Antioch, CA.