James is survived by his children, Sangeeta Singh-Heinrichs, Adhir R. Singh; his grandchildren, Amanda Heinrichs, Ravi Singh, Emma Mueller, Rajan and Rajiv Singh; his great granddaughter, Layla Grace Singh; his sisters Saras Nijjar and Geeta Deo. He is predeceased by his wife, Daisy Surajmati Singh; parents, Dwarka and Ram Pyari Singh; his brother, Michael Narendra Singh; his sister, Satya Issac.
James was born in in Labasa, Fiji Islands on March 12, 1926. He was the oldest of five children and always carried the responsibility of being the 'second dad'. He attended a Catholic boys school for a short time and was forced to drop out of pursuing further education due to financial restraints. The experience fueled his determination that his children would never endure the same. His life experiences also lit his fire to become a skilled boxer which served him well as he traveled the world on the SS Lakemba. James met the love of his life, Daisy (Shankar) in 1956 and started a 4 year letter writing courtship that lead to their marriage in Reno Nevada on Dec 12, 1960. James' determination and hard work lead him to have his own business in the San Francisco Bay Area, "J. S. Building Maintenance and Carpet Cleaning Service". His greatest dreams came true with the birth of his daughter and son in 1961 and 1963 respectively. As the leader in him, he became involved with Parkside Gospel Chapel in SF and became the Sunday School Superintendent and lead many children to the Lord Jesus. In 1978, his family moved to Modesto, CA and he started 'Sandhir Imports', the first Indian Asian store in central CA. He also owned and managed apartment rentals. In 1987, he sold the store and spent months traveling to his family homeland, India, which he truly enjoyed. On that trip, he was introduced to his future daughter in law, Ruby (Charan), who he found would care for him daily until his dying breath.
James treasured life long learning and continually read. He enjoyed teaching and sharing his life experiences with his family, staying fit, learning about vitamins and supplements, reading spiritual books, keeping up with the news, and watching boxing and basketball. His greatest joy was being with his family.
A funeral service will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, Hughson, CA, on Monday March 8, 2021, viewing at 11 am, funeral service at noon and committal service at 1:00 pm. Flowers and condolences may be offered at 5425 Port Alice Way. Salida, CA 95368.
PALLBEARERS
Adhir Singh
Ravi Singh
Rajan Singh
Rajiv Singh
Raymond Sharma
Johnny Praven Ram
James Chand
Nathan Mueller
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18