James Raymond Sauceda

James Raymond Sauceda, a man of faith, family, hard work, and unwavering joy, was born to James Sauceda and Jennie Calderon Sauceda on August 31,1937 in San Bernardino, California. He lived a purposeful life with the sole intent of being happy and kind, which exuded to all that were part of his life journey.

A life-long resident of San Bernardino, he went to school at Jefferson Elementary, Sturgis Junior High School, San Bernardino High School and graduated from Pacific High School. Jim often joked that he only made it to the 3rd grade because he got kicked out for not shaving. In his youth he was an avid baseball and football player and played lineman for his school football teams. During his young adult life, he enjoyed tennis, handball, racquetball and bicycling. Later, bowling and walking became a regular activity. Every Thursday night with close friends you could find him at the local bowling alley. Every morning he walked miles, either by himself or with neighborhood friends and believed this not only aided in his physical health and longevity but also provided a time for spiritual connection and reflection. He loved photography and no matter where he was, there was a camera or camcorder in tow.

Aside from family, sports, travel and music were his life passions. He attended countless Superbowls, World Series baseball games, World Cup Soccer and Olympic events. As an avid sports fan, he could be found watching any sport on tv at any given time.

In his youth he got the taste for travel and throughout his life traveled the world. As a young man, he boarded a greyhound bus and traveled 3700 miles round trip from San Bernardino to Mexico City. His life long travels, took him all around the world which included many countries in Europe, the Middle East and Canada. He enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean and to Greece. He traveled the United States from shore to shore and spoke of his travels to New Orleans, Chicago, New York, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii and Sedona, just to name a few. His plans to travel to Russia were foiled when President Carter placed a boycott on the country.

No matter what town, state or country he was in, he either ran into someone he already knew or met a new friend who remained a friend throughout his life. He enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and enjoyed playing the harmonica and accordion which became a special part of every family celebration.

Hard work was the essence of his life and career. No matter the task, big or small he was skilled, precise and got the job done. As a young boy, he built his own shoe-shine box, gathering the supplies needed to set up shop on a busy corner in his hometown. He was a gardener with his Tio Simon and often shared his memories of delivering newspapers. He became a skilled carpenter, which led to building many freeway culverts and bridges throughout California. He also was known for building and remodeling homes, buildings and office spaces, He later began working for Stater Bro’s as the Building and Remodel Superintendent for the shopping centers in the entire supermarket chain until his retirement in 2002.

Once retired, his focus was on family and travel. He was an amazing story-teller and his jokes and magic tricks will continue through the generations ahead. A true patriarch of the family, he exemplified integrity, morality, kindness, generosity, laughter, humor and most of all, love.

Jim was blessed with 4 sisters, Mercedes (known to all as Tia Merci), Jennie (known to all as Queen and Tia Jennie), Margaret (known to all as Tia Titi and Tia Margo) and Marie (known to all as Tia Marie). They were close as children and remained close throughout their lives. His sisters played an important role in supporting their brother and each other during the untimely passing of their beloved mother when Jim was in his early 20’s. Despite the support and love they had for one another, they faced hardships due to health issues their father experienced.

In the late 1950’s he met, Roseann Belmudes and they were married on October 24,1959. Together they had 4 children Jimmy, Pati, Tommy, and Laura. Jim dedicated his life to his family and his career. Although Jim and Roseann parted ways they worked together in the responsibilities of raising their children with example.

Jim became a close friend of Ollie and Helga Taunton and their 2 children Dennis and Melanie upon their moving to California in 1968. After Ollie’s passing, Jim and Helga’s friendship grew and manifested into mutual love and finally marriage.

One of Jim’s treasured life blessings is his sister’s children, his nieces and nephews- Deena, Karen, Denise, Lisa, Larry (Bobo), D’Andra, Jennie, Stephanie, Malissa (Missy) and Francisco (Cisco). Jim also had very close friendships with his brother’s in law. As the years passed, the family tree grew with the addition of many, great nieces and nephews.

He adored his grandchildren and great children- Richard, Taylor, Celina, Carmen, Benito, Catalina, Meghan, Jordan, Logan, Brody, Deacon and Mason.

In addition to his family, Jim throughout his life made many, many friends who all played a significant and valued role in his life.

Our Lord Jesus called Jim home on April 22, 2026 where he is reunited with his parents, sister Margo, wife Roseanne, wife Helga and all who soared to heaven before him.