James Jerome Bregante

James Bregante passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020. He was born in San Diego to James and Angelina Bregante on September 23, 1936. He attended Washington Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High and graduated from San Diego High School in 1954. Jim was active with Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Little Italy all his life. He married Jo Ann Bono in 1961 and was blessed with son Michael and daughter Diane. Joann passed in 1990 and he found happiness again when he married Donna Cravens in 1993. Jim’s career was in the building material business beginning with Western Lumber Supply and ending with BMC West in Boise, Idaho. Upon returning to San Diego he became actively involved with Convivio, an Italian cultural organization, volunteering many hours at Amici House. At the same time Jim became a docent for the San Diego Maritime Museum, creating a power point presentation for the museum entitled, “San Diego’s Waterfront Through the Eyes of a Child” which was seen by over 15,000 people. Jim was passionate about sharing his life as a child in the Italian community. In 2010 he documented his experiences with a book entitled Generations of Memories…on never to be forgotten India Street. He is survived by his wife Donna, brother Augustine, son Michael Bregante (Kim), daughter Diane Hamilton, step-daughter Michelle Tompkins (Dean), step-sons Michael Cravens (Juanita), Mark Cravens (Alma), grandchildren Brandon Hamilton, Daniel Tompkins, Taylor Tompkins. Maya Cravens, great-grandaughter Hennessy Erwin.

A celebration of this gentle man’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be directed to Our Lady of the Rosary Church or St. Vincent de Paul Villages.