George James Lucas

George James Lucas, 79, was born on April 13, 1936 to Jacob and Beatrice Lucas in Patterson, in New Jersey. There is great sadness in our hearts to have lost him on Sunday, May 24, 2015. He will join his mother, Beatrice Paveglio, father Jacob Lucas, and many other beloved people who have passed on before him. He passed away after a short, but well fought illness. A beloved husband and father, George left this world with his family at his side. He leaves behind his loving wife and best friend, Phyllis, son, Donald, daughters, Cheryl, and Virginia, step daughters, Theresa, and Phyllis, 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, as well as many people who loved him.

George came to California in the sixties and started working in construction where he learned the trade and soon started his own construction company. He was a sub-contractor and proud owner of Commercial Industrial Construction Inc. and built many of the commercial buildings, churches, hotels and industrial complexes in Ventura County. George was most proud of constructing the buildings, restaurant, and hotel surrounding the Channel Islands Harbor, his favorite being Fisherman's Wharf (especially the light house), although there are numerous structures bearing his masterful touch on the blueprint. He later became a General Contractor and built theatres and custom homes. George was a former director for the V.C. Contractors Association, former member of Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club and current member of Channel Islands Yacht Club. His favorite club was the Rudder Room with his friend and bartender Troy, where he would meet with old buddies in the afternoon to swap stories.

George was an avid boater sailing the Pacific coast for 30 years after spending many years on California lakes camping and water skiing. George and Phyllis were always together on their "Ocean Adventures" and he would always say, "cheated death again" upon returning to the harbor. George participated in many of the fishing tournaments locally and in Mexico. He enjoyed life to the fullest, was always quick with a joke or a story, and always looked on the bright side of whatever situation was put in front of him. When asked, "How'r'ya doing George?" his reply was always, "If I were doing any better, I'd be twins!" George was a huge fan of the USC Trojans. He loved boating, fishing, playing poker with his buddies, spending time with his bride, or reminiscing with family and friends in the garage of his home in Port Hueneme. George loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. We choose to think God had an opening in His choir that needed to be filled. George will be greatly missed. Our lives have been blessed to have had him in it, and are much less full now that he has begun his new journey. To the end of his days George would say, "I did it my way." He worked hard, he played hard, and he was a "good man".

There will be a Celebration of Life for George Lucas on Sunday, July 12, 2015, 1 P.M., at the Channel Islands Yacht Club, 4100 Harbor Blvd. Oxnard, California.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.