James George Piette

Jim was born on September 30, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, the George and Victoria Piette. He was baptized in the local Catholic Church and attended Catholic school through 8th grade. His sister, Raynette, who was 5 years older, would walk with him the short distance from their home. High School brought a new sense of freedom and wonder. Jim and his friends raced on neighboring streets and went to car races and events and hung out at the White Castle ice cream shop. Auto mechanics became a focal point in Jim's life. He and his father spent many hours working on the family car, the lawn mower, and other chores. By his mid teens, Jim purchased and restored a '32 Ford, anchoring his lifelong career in auto mechanics.

When Jim and Jean met in 1957, Jim started working at the Chevrolet Dealership and had joined the union. Following their October 1958 wedding, Jean went to work and they settled into the home of Jim's mother. The birth of Susan in 1960 was a happy, fulfilling addition strengthening the closeness of their family bond. During that time of adjusting to family life, Jim took scuba diving lessons that he found so enjoyable in many future experiences.

In 1961, they left the midwest for California, landing first in the San Diego area and then in Orange County, where they happily welcomed their daughter Nancie in 1963. In 1964, the happy foursome settled in their home in the town of Orange. This was the first family home, with a large backyard, a dog named Skipper, and Charlie the desert tortoise. Jim worked at a Chevy Dealer in Santa Ana and he found riding motorcycles in the nearby desert to be fun and challenging. They joined a Travel Trailer Club with neighborhood friends and traveled most weekends to the many local deserts in the area. Jim raced in many motocross venues and cross country events. The whole family joined in the fun, with Jean and the girls on their own bikes.

In 1974, the family moved to Northern California to escape the smog and crowds for a peaceful home on two acres where Jim shifted his interests back to classic cars and addition of farm animals and horses for the girls. He found his job at the Bob Frink Chevrolet where he enjoyed his coworkers who became good friends. Jim's early interest in classic cars was again a centerpiece of his life as evidenced by his new restoration projects. He restored a '62 Jaguar XKE roadster, a '55 Austin Healey, a '41 Ford pickup, a '55 Chevy Bel Air, and a '55 Buick. As members of the British Sports Car Club, Jim and Jean attended meetings and many shows where they proudly won awards. The local cruise nights gave Jim another opportunity to drive one of his classics to show and share with others. Jim liked just about anything with a motor. He loved having a boat to take to the local lakes where he and his daughters enjoyed skiing and swimming. In 1979, Jim and the family moved to a home in Auburn.

Jim retired at the age of 62. He and Jean had purchased ten acres in North Auburn where they decided to build their retirement home. Jim prepared the land for the construction and oversaw the project, enlisting the help of a builder and design advice from their daughter Nancie. The first building on the land was his three thousand square foot workshop. He also had purchased a backhoe and a tractor on tracks knowing he would be needing them. A driveway was needed so Jim bought a modified dump truck and drove miles to get the materials and had the driveway completed in time for moving day. Whatever needed to be done, Jim would always find a to do it. He finished the newly installed cabinets and doors, built and installed bookshelves, and installed a river rock fireplace. He bought granite slabs and cut, shaped, and finished them for the kitchen. Susan, Nancie, and friends pitched in for the final touches and Jim and Jean moved into their new home.

Jim was a calm man, had few words to say, was a good listener, and accepting of others. He would quietly and patiently listen and share his talents on how to make or fix anything. He always had a plan for a project. Throughout the years, Jim devoted his time and energy to his family and home. Both daughters looked to their Dad for help as they started their businesses. And Jim was always there to help. Susan and her husband Aaron and Nancie and her husband Greg always sought their father's advice. Jim and Jean's lives were intertwined for sixty-seven years. Raising a family and exploring the world together. He felt proud to have two beautiful daughters who married and give him his grandchildren who brought him happiness.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean, daughters Susan and Nancie, grandchildren Ryan, Kristiana, and Melissa, great grandchildren Macie, Rylee, and Adalyn, sister Raynette, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors who all brought great joy to his life and legacy. Jim will be in our hearts forever.