James Nelson Medeiros

He was preceded in death by his father Enos, mother Mary, brothers Alfred, Enos, Thomas and Lawrence and sister Anne.

He is survived by his wife Diane, sons Phil and Kevin (Justine), grandchildren Sarah and Brett, sister Phyllis and numerous nieces and nephews.

James graduated from Saint Anthony High School in Maui, Hawaii. His parents sent him to the “Mainland” to attend college. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Mary’s College in northern California. He then earned his Master’s Degree from Cal State Los Angeles. He served in the U.S. Air Force, eventually stationed in Korea. In addition, he also earned a Librarian Credential from USC (let it be known, he rooted for UCLA!).

Professionally, he taught Social Studies/History for 42 years in the Los Angeles Unified School District (4 years at Van Nuys Jr. High School and 38 years at James Monroe High School). He made an impact on thousands of lives and was recognized on three separate occasions by the Los Angeles Times as an Outstanding Social Studies Teacher. He retired from teaching in June of 1999.

While James was teaching at Van Nuys Jr. High School, he met Diane, who worked as a hostess at the Bob’s Big Boy nearby. It didn’t take long for the two of them to realize they were meant for each other. They were married on May 4, 1963 and stayed happily married for 52 years. In November of 1968, James, Diane and their two boys moved to Thousand Oaks, CA.

James was a loving husband and devoted father. He was the ultimate family man. He enjoyed reading books, listening to music, attending his son’s numerous sporting events and when there was the opportunity, going to visit members of his family in Hawaii and San Jose, CA.

James was an outstanding human being who will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at 2pm at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park: 5600 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village.