James Norman La Belle

Jim was born on January 11, 1949, in Elkhart, Indiana, the son of Dick N. and Etta May La Belle. He grew up in Indiana before moving to California, where he graduated from Homestead High School in 1967. He went on to study at De Anza College in Cupertino before beginning what would become a long and distinguished career in the United States Navy.

In 1969, Jim enlisted in the Navy and trained as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate in Jacksonville, Florida. He was first stationed at NAS Moffett Field, where he worked with the HS-85 Antisubmarine helicopter squadron. Over the course of his 21 years of service, Jim’s assignments took him to NAS Imperial Beach, NAS North Island, NAS Jacksonville, and back again to NAS Moffett Field, where he helped form a new squadron, VP-MAU. Jim took great pride in being a “plank owner” (founding member) of that squadron. He retired in 1991 as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate First Class (AE1), after proudly serving his country with honor and dedication.

Following his military career, Jim worked in a variety of fields, always bringing his strong work ethic and hands-on skills. He served as a department manager at K-Mart, a store manager at Kragen Auto Parts, and later as a FedEx driver. After his second retirement, Jim enjoyed working as a handyman, a role that fit perfectly with his talent for fixing things and helping others. In 2022, he began serving his neighbors at the mobile home park where he lived, offering his time and skills to the community he loved.

Beyond his career, Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Charlotte (“Becky”), and together they raised two daughters, Deborah (spouse Wilbur) and Jamie (spouse Seth). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Tyler, Justen, and Jordan. Jim is also survived by his siblings, Diane, Steve, and Gray, along with their spouses and children, all of whom will remember him with deep love and admiration.

Jim will be remembered for his devotion to family, his humor, his generosity, and his steadfast loyalty to those he loved. He had a gift for fixing just about anything and was always willing to lend a hand to others in need.

A service of remembrance will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan United Methodist Church, 19624 Homestead Road, Cupertino, CA 95014.

Those who wish to honor Jim’s memory may make a gift to the Good Samaritan Church Board of Trustees – Handyman Fund, a fitting tribute to his spirit of service and helpfulness.