James Marchetti

James Marchetti passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2016 at the age of 94. He exhibited his trademark positive attitude and sense of humor even as his health declined.

Jim was born to Italian immigrants in the lumber mill town of McCloud, California, where his father was the mill's blacksmith.

He moved to San Francisco to attend business school and learn accounting when he was 17. That proficiency served him well his entire life. He served with distinction in the Merchant Marines during World War II. Jim met Lee, the love of his life and wife of 56 years, soon after the war. Jim and Lee had a beautiful, almost storybook marriage, and his optimism and sense of humor helped Lee through a bout with cancer fairly early in their marriage.

Jim was proud of his Italian heritage and was a member of the Peninsula Italian American Social Club. He travelled to Italy with his family several times to visit relatives and see his parents' home town of Acceglio. On the first visit, Jim surprised everyone with his ability not only to speak Italian, but to speak Piemontese, the language of the Piedmont region. He relished a good meal, a glass of wine and all things Italian.

Jim and Lee were long time residents of Redwood City and built and managed their residential real estate business. They raised their family in Redwood City, and they were extremely proud of their children. When Lee predeceased Jim in 2006, he moved to Rossmoor to be closer to his family. While Jim was in Rossmoor, he and his family enjoyed and looked forward to dinner several times a week. Jim cherished his grandchildren.

He had a special, magnetic personality that naturally drew people to him. He was generous of spirit, quick to smile and was never judgmental. He cherished family and friends and was always ready to do whatever he could to help them.

Jim will be sorely missed by his family: his son, Jim (and daughter in law Lacey); daughter, Jan (and son in law Steve); and four grandchildren, Jimmy, Chris, Ryan and Kelly. Jim and family wish to thank Barbara Perotti for her love and friendship, and Jim's caregivers, Jack and Sahra, for their loving care and professionalism.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the East Bay.