James Joseph Bauman

James Bauman AKA “Jim”, “Jimmy”, “Pops”, “Papa”, “Slim”, “Dad” by his friends and family, passed away in the early hours of July 2nd after battling stage IV melanoma for over four years. Born October 12th, 1933 on a farm in Maryhill Canada, he was one of 3 first cousins all born on the same day delivered by the same doctor. Jim came from a large family and had 56 first cousins. Later the family moved to Kitchener, Ontario Canada where he met his wife Joyce (1935-1988) and had a daughter Jennifer and a son Jeff. Jim and Joyce eventually planted roots in Southern California where another son Jay was born. Thus the “5 J’s” came to be. Even though he had only an 8th grade education (having left school to start working), Jim was successful at everything he put his mind to, working as a realtor, real estate appraiser, vice president of a bank and real estate tycoon eventually opening his own appraisal business. Amidst his work and family responsibilities, he still made time for annual family vacations (including long car trips back and forth to Canada), was an Indian Guides leader for his sons and taught his daughter how to throw a mean underhand softball pitch. Jim and Joyce were active members of the local “Canadian’s Club” where he met his lifelong best friend Nick Ropchan. Famous for his carrot cake and sense of humor, he also loved to fish, bowl, and play men’s softball (playing on his men’s over age 75 softball league up until age 79), taking his boat out of Newport. But most of all, he enjoyed going to Vegas, where his second home “The El Cortez” provided him with enough robes, jackets and hats to clothe an army. After his wife Joyce passed away he met and married Patty and moved to Villa Park. They spent 25 years together exploring the world (and the local casinos), managing his properties and being the best “Papa” to everyone. Pre deceased in death by his mother Mary, father Richard, sisters Geraldine and Ruth and brother Lloyd. He is survived by his dedicated wife Patty, children Jennifer, Jeff (wife Lori), Jay (wife Miranda), step son Dale (wife Kim), 13 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren along with countless other relatives and friends. His legacy will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Joseph’s hospital in Orange CA and/or the Cancer Society are gratefully appreciated.