James Clayton Monks

James (Jim) C. Monks born in Williams, Oklahoma on November 2, 1935. He passed away on March 25, 2025, in Riverside, California at his home. He is survived by Jacinta, his devoted wife of (almost) 50 years. Their four children and seven grandchildren meant the world to him: Kimberley and her children, Cruz and Arianna of Portland, Oregon. James and his boys Carter and Carson of Riverside. Trevor of Riverside. Travis, his wife Hazel and their girls Brooklyn, Madison and Savannah of Riverside. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton T. Monks and Ruth E. Monks.

He attended local schools or “brain factories” as he called them; Alvord and Magnolia Grade Schools, Chemawa Junior High and Poly High School (class of 1953). Throughout his childhood he worked at his parents’ grocery store, La Granda in Riverside. After High School he worked with his father’s asphalt company and the Western Municipal Water District, helping build Lake Matthews. While attending Riverside City College he joined the California Air National Guard, then stationed at Ontario International Airport. After 5 months as a member of the ANG he was selected to work full-time for the California Air National Guard/United States Air Force Reserve. He held numerous positions between 1954 to 1991, including aircraft maintenance, fuels specialist, fleet management and material management. He rose to the rank as a senior non-commissioned officer, within the 163rd CA ANG Wing, as their contracting officer. After nearly 38 years he honorably retired at the distinguishable rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He then went to work for one of his very best friends who owned Ford of Upland. He worked there from 1991 until 2001. He also owned a variety of commercial properties from the 1970s to the early 2000s, from laundromats to executive office space. In 1983 he converted to Catholicism and enjoyed being part of the Catholic Church, he was proud to attend mass with his family. In 2001 he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Over the last 24 years he has battled different types of cancer as well as open heart surgery due to heart disease. He was forever grateful for the care he received from his fine medical staff, as well as the support from his family. Especially his wife Jacinta, who provided exceptionally attentive care up until the last breath.

In addition to being an aviation enthusiast, Jim had a passion for cars. Owning 26 himself over the years, more Fords than anything. However, he really loved his Porsche 356 and 1940 Ford sedan. You would find him attending a hot rod show from time to time. That love of cars parlayed to a real panache for criticizing other drivers, in this area he excelled, and no one was safe from his judgement. Family, friends and strangers got the same commentary. Jim was a lifelong fan of Westerns, especially those featuring John Wayne. He loved a good plate of biscuits and gravy, particularly from Flo’s. He would engage in a cocktail from time to time with family and friends at The Sire. He was a patron since they opened in 1955. Jim was a lifelong history buff, most passionate about the city of Riverside and all the stories behind each building and street. Some of his best moments were spent at his home over the last 45 years, enjoying the nature and beauty of the property with the company of those he loved, drinking a good cup of coffee. Jim was a man of unwavering integrity, devotion and commitment to his family. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, quick wit, sense of humor, his infamous Irish goodbye skills and his occasional cantankerous demeanor. His friends and family will miss it all. To conclude using one of Jim’s regular phrases: 10-4 over and out.

The family will receive friends for a viewing starting at 5:00 p.m. on April 7, 2025, with a Rosary starting at 6:30 p.m. at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary located at 11500 Arlington Ave., Riverside CA 92505. A mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on April 8, 2025, at St. Catherines of Alexandria Catholic Church, located at 3680 Arlington Ave. Riverside, CA 92506. The mass will be followed by a graveside service at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or American Heart Association in Jim’s memory. There will be a reception after the graveside service, held at March Field Air Museum, located at 22550 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. to celebrate Jim’s life.