I knew "Antrim" since 7th grade at PB Junior High, I bought my first balsa surfboard from him that year for $5. We were friends till his end. Hung out at "The Wall" for early morning waves. First foam board I ever rode was his "AJ".
Larry Hespel

Condolences to the Antrim family on the passing of Jim and Jennie.  Sorry for the late posting - just became aware of Jim's passing. I attended SDSU, in a number of classes with Jim. Quite the personality, always upbeat, and a wealth of knowledge and information. I was not a bit surprised when he was tasked with his illustrious position as "Currator of Mammals" at Sea World in San Diegl. The perfect person for that important position.  And, yes, that uniquie tie!

Howard Snitowsky
Fountain Valley, CA

I met Jim at SDSU.  We met in a class together.  After that became good friends, ocean stuff, fishing, surfing, etc.  He was a really great person and I miss him.  He was a wonderful example how people can live effectively.

Larry Jurgensmeier

I first met Jim through Rick Pollock back in the 60's. We did a lot of surfing, fishing and diving for abalone in those days. I lost contact with Jim when he was drafted.  We reconnected years later and fished together for about 30 years or so, until he was unable.  Our sincerest condolences to his son and daughter.  We will miss his stories and a very good fisherman.
                                                          Sincerely,
                                                          Jan and Dani Gosewisch
                                       

Always loved working with Jim especially during the animal transports back in the "good ole days".  He was always a positive influence and definitely fun to work with anytime of day. He will be missed by so many people that considered Jim a friend, a professional, and family. 
"Keep the Faith" Jim as all of the "Betty's" still here raise a glass to you in your memory!

In 1981, I sent a letter to Jim Antrim with questions about marine mammals.  He answered them and became a mentor and friend.  He was a character reference for me for various scholarships, university, Peace Corps, and employment. In addition, he was my undergraduate thesis advisor; as well.  During my Peace Corps service, I used his mentorship skills with many Romanian high school and university students. Jim was truly legendary. The legend of Jim Antrim is not gone because he is no longer with us. It will be felt from here to eternity. His power and influence is within his family, friends, and the in archives of marine mammal scientific literature.

Jim or “JA” as some of us called him in the Mammal Dept because that’s how he signed everything, was one of a kind.   Although I sometimes had my disagreements with him, I never lost my respect and admiration for his great work ethic, fairness, and his commitment and compassion to the animals in our care as well as the ones Jennine and he had in their home. 
  JA was not only my Boss for many years but also my neighbor and a gracious and generous host.  Not only did he invite me and others along on his whaler to see Blue Whales or do a bit of pelagic birding numerous times, but whenever I walked by their home, would invite me to sit on the patio and share a beverage and great conversation.  Now when I pass by their home I still feel great sadness because I will not see Jim and Jennine, but I still feel so lucky and honored that I experienced JA’s love of life and endless and hilarious idioms for so many years.  He may be gone, but will never ever be forgotten.

I worked in Animal Care at Sea World from July 1977 through July 1980.  Jim hired me after I graduated from college.  Although I had plenty of academic experience, my working experience was woefully inadequate.  Jim was a great supervisor.  He was always encouraging, especially when I screwed up, and provided me with nuggets of wisdom I put to use the rest of my working life.  When I became a manager in aerospace engineering later in life, I especially would tell my reports to always "Pay attention to the details" and attribute it to Jim Antrim, one of the best supervisors I ever had.

Jim was one of the finest people I'd ever known. He was kind, generous, and good natured.  I was blessed to have known him. 


OBITUARY

James Elwood Antrim, Jr.

January 2, 1947 – June 11, 2022

Pacific Beach – La Jolla Chapel

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