James David Perales

James David Perales was born July 25, 1935 in Denver, Colorado to Cora (Jovita) & Aurelio Perales. James left this life December 10, 2020 at the age of 85. James was preceded in death by his son David James Perales, his parents, Cora and Aurelio Perales, his brothers Joseph Perales, Daniel Perales and sisters Juanita Wilson and Josephine Mena. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife Barbara (Banning) Perales of 65 years of marriage. His children, Kimberle Donovan, Robert Perales and Steve Perales. HIs siblings, Mike Perales, Jonathan Perales, Susan Avitia, and Carla Talavera. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Cindy Perales, Stephany Perales, David Perales, Matthew Figone, Ashley Rice, Jeremy Figone, Steven James Perales, Jason Perales, Jalena Wouters and Jessica Wouters. He also leaves behind his 9 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.

Jim began his military career at the age of 17 when he joined the National Guard serving from 1952 through 1954 with the 159th Infantry Regiment Heavy Mortars, and on February 17, 1955, he embarked on his career with the United States Air Force at Parks Air Force Base (AFB) in California, from where he received orders to report to Wichita Falls, Texas for eight weeks of technical training as an Aircraft Mechanic. With the escalation of the Vietnam War, Jim was issued orders to report to Naha AFB in Okinawa, Japan and received training on a new aircraft, the C-130A Cargo/Troop carrier which he utilized during his re-assignment to Vietnam, flying predominantly night missions, cloaked in darkness and known as Blind Bat. Returning to McClellan AFB and subsequently assigned to Hickam AFB in Hawaii, Jim continued to fly the C-130 aircraft, and as his career with the Air Force was nearing its end, he received orders for Keesler AFB in Mississippi and was assigned to the 53rd Weather Squadron flying weather missions associated with hurricanes. Over the course of his distinguished military career, Jim was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations.

Retiring after 24 years of honorable service with the United States Air Force, Jim continued working for the California Highway Patrol and eventually retired to civilian life and lived in Hollister, California where he became a member of Veterans Of Foreign Wars Hollister Post 9242, where he provided his guidance and leadership as commander.

Jim loved his God, family and country. He was one of the most patriotic men you would ever meet. He rooted for his beloved Raiders and A’s through good times and bad.

The funeral ceremony will be held on Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 at 10:00am at the Brentwood funeral home. The committal will be held at 12:30 pm at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.