James served his country honorably with his military service in the United States Army during the 1950’s. His service continued as a civilian working for the United States Navy as a Failure Analyst and Metallurgist for almost 30 years and then for a defense contractor working on the Stealth program. His aircraft crash investigations saved many military pilots lives by finding the source of the failure on the aircraft. This helped the aircraft contractors redesign or strengthen the parts that failed to prevent future crashes. James was a loving husband to his wife Ruth and also a great father. He led by example, always showing his children how to do the right thing, while also teaching them to look at the lighter side of everything. In his later years he was known to most people simply as Grandpa or Grandpa Jim. Always greeted everyone with a smile and some kind words. He was always laughing. He would tell young people he just met they would make a dandy grandson or granddaughter. James will be loved and missed always.
James is survived by his daughter Karen Rodgers (Steve) of La Mesa, California; and his son Kevin Dobson (Mary) of Patterson, California; his grandson Kevin Dobson II (Nikki) of Brentwood, California, his granddaughter Josielyn Aguilera of Culver City California and his granddaughter Andrea Aguilera (Marissa) of Patterson California.
James was preceded in death by his son David; his wife Ruth and his sister Mary Jo.
A Celebration of Life for James will be announced at a later date.
