Born on February 27, 1944, in Coronado, California, James was the eldest of nine children born to the late James Francis White Sr. and Mae Elizabeth (Dunn) White.
Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from March 15, 1963, until his honorable discharge at the rank of Sergeant (E-4) on August 25, 1967. While stationed in Marquette, Michigan, he met Rosie Gallegos, who was participating in the Job Corps. Recognizing quickly that she was the love of his life, they married in Marquette Township on August 5, 1967, and shared a devoted life together.
Following his military service and a brief career in accounting, Jim found his true calling behind the wheel as a professional truck driver. He loved the road and was defined by a legendary, tireless work ethic. His dedication left a lasting impression on his family his son Joey fondly recalls nights as a teenager hanging out late with friends, watching his father arrive home from a grueling shift only to sleep for a couple of hours and head right back out to work between midnight and 2:00 a.m., while Joey and his friends were still together. Jim gave everything he had to provide faithfully for those he loved.
Outside of his long hours on the road, Jim found genuine joy in simple, heartfelt pastimes. He was an avid bowler who spent years competing in leagues and traveling across regions for tournaments, and he remained a loyal fan of the Washington Redskins. Above all, Jim loved television, sports, and cinema of every kind ranging from classic animation and teen dramas to westerns and war epics and was never afraid to show his tender heart whenever an emotional scene brought tears to his eyes.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosie White; his son, James “Jimmy” White; his parents, James and Mae White; and six siblings.
He is survived by his loving children, Janet White and Joseph (Amanda) White; his grandchildren, Breanna White, Lawrence (Alize) Hooper, Penelope White, and Ezekiel White; his great-grandchildren, Scarlett Burns, Violet Burns, Lawrence Hooper II, Damian Hooper, Kato Hooper, and Draco Hooper; his brothers, Alan White and Richie White; and many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss his presence and devotion.
Services & Memorial Arrangements
Services will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026:
Visitation: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at Miller-Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585.
Funeral Service: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Miller-Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585.
Committal Service with Military Honors: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.
