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James H. Deal passed away on October 12, 2023. He was born on June 5, 1948 in Oklahoma City, OK. At the age of two, he moved with his family to California. He graduated from Moreno Valley High School in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War from 1969-1970. After his service, he graduated from California Baptist College with a degree in Business Administration. His career in utilities included employment with the City of Riverside, Imperial Irrigation District and UCR.Jim was known for his wit, cynical sense of humor and generosity. He collected Jeeps, antiques, and military paraphernalia. He enjoyed watching old movies and listening to NPR. Jim was an avid runner and enjoyed taking leisurely drives. He loved children and enjoyed giving kids in his family tractor rides on Thanksgiving at his cabin in Idyllwild.Jim is survived by his daughters, Erin (Aaron), Lauren (Marci); his grandchildren, Oliver and Nadine; his sisters, Marcella (Raymond), Suezella (Joseph); brother, Kenneth; many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen; parents, Oscar and Vieva Jo; brother, Jonathan; nephew, Michael; and in-laws, Neil and Ruth Mac Donald.Services for Jim will be on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Arlington Mortuary from 10-11am. Graveside at Riverside National Cemetery at noon. Reception to follow.
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Paul Breitkreuz (1966)
I was saddened to see this recent update on James "Jim". I had classes with him at both Alessandro & Moreno Valley High over the years. I recall most conversations with Jim always leading to & ending with a joke or a reason for laughter no matter what. No doubt the very best of times.
Steve Kaufmann (1966)
JIM will be missed, I have small memories of Jim and all were good. I do remember him being at a class reunion San Jacinto smoking a big cigar, it made me chuckle. After that I don't remember seeing him. Not fun to lose contact with classmates and not be able to share growing up and in Jim's case sharing jokes and stories. We all have them