James Sanchioli

Serving his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy, he served on various destroyers, tenders and transport ships during the Pacific theater.

James was wounded at sea after his destroyer ran aground on a reef in the Marshall Islands and his ship was struck by

Japanese artillery. He spent VJ Day at the VA hospital in Shoemaker, California.

He returned to New York after the war, only to soon realize that his heart longed for San Diego because "it was the

best place in the world."

He continued his civil service working at North Island making the daily commute on the bay ferry.

James and his wife Lucille settled in Bay Park and raised their two sons. He retired in his early forties and enjoyed coaching baseball and tending to the fields at Tecolote Little League back in the 60's and 70's.

He loved the beach, body surfing, gardening (his tomato garden was legendary), taking cruises and dancing with his

wife. He was a quiet and humble man who led by example.

He was part of this country's greatest generation and he will be missed.

He is survived by his wife of over fifty years, Helen Lucille of Bay Park; step-daughter, Vickie of Mission Bay; step-son, Rick of Arlington, Texas; and sons, Jon of Coronado and Doug of Escondido; along with grandchildren, Jay, Kailyn, Cassidy, Casey, Matt, Maverick and Mckenzie; and many

cousins from Pittsburgh, New York, and Long Island.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., on Friday, May 16, at the Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make a donation to either the Mission Bay Yacht Club Junior Sailing program, the Coronado Yacht Club Junior sailing program or the First Friday Club: firstfridaymusicclub.com