James Peter Cameron

Born in Brooklyn, New York on October 9, 1945 to Charles and Marie Cameron, our father was named James Peter Cameron, but was known by many simply as Jim. His early life was filled with memories of shenanigans that he shared growing up with his brothers Charlie and Peter. From working class projects at Aviation High School, to pulling overtime shifts on stormy nights as a tow truck driver in Queens, Jim’s formative years were shaped fixing problems. Often, the problems were not of his own making, but taking care of others came naturally for Jim and started at an early age. As a teenager, Jim’s earned income was never just for himself. Instead, it went to helping support the family pay bills, buy groceries, and sometimes even the mortgage.

Later, Jim stepped up to the plate and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1964 as an active-duty aircraft mechanic. With over 30 years as a senior flight engineer for the C-141 “Starlifter” with the 710th Military Airlift Squadron at Travis AFB, California, he would retire from the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 1996 as a Master Sergeant. When he wasn’t flying at Travis, Jim was also keeping the fleet safe as a mechanic with United Airlines based out of San Francisco Airport. He served 35 years with United. Jim was passionate about flying, planes, and serving his country, as anyone who knew Jim could not escape him weaving in a relatable “war story” experience no matter what topic was being discussed!

Yet despite the myriad of stories shared of the past, Jim’s heart, mind, and soul was fueled for the love he had for his wife, our mother, Amelia. From the moment he met her, his life focus was to be her provider. That came to fruition on July 7, 1972, when the two wed in a San Jose Courthouse. Married close to 53 years, Jim and Amelia together built a lifetime of memories under their roof nurtured by endless love and support. Their motto was always, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Never turning a blind eye to those in need, together they truly did make the world a better place. Jim will always be remembered as the one who could fix almost anything. Yes, even a broken heart! His home was always open to all of us and our families. His wallet may have been empty plenty of times, but he found a way to provide for us. But most of all, he always found the time to listen and give us strength through encouragement. Ensuring that we believed in ourselves whenever we felt lost or alone. He was always quick to remind us that no matter what happened, he would be “standing by” and there to help where he could.

With Amelia by his side until the day he died, he was constantly surrounded by love to the very end. If Jim had anything to say today, it would be:

“Thank you for the love, respect, and kindness shared with me. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to help “fix things” for YOU…as that was what made my life so amazing and gave me the greatest joy. It was in knowing that I could be counted on to make life better for you!”

And to that end is what our father’s legacy will remain…the one who helped shape our lives for the better!