James Francis Day II, BHS 1941

Lake Almanor basin resident James Francis Day II passed from this life peacefully, with his wife at his side at his residence in Chester, from a recently diagnosed heart condition on Wednesday morning, Feb. 11, 2009. Born 84 years ago in Chicago, Ill. to the late Leo and Marie (LaDue) Day on March 6, 1924, he and his family moved west when he was two to settle in Southern California.

Jim was educated in Southern California where he graduated from Burbank High School as a member of the Class of 1941.Shortly following his graduation he was inducted in to the armed forces where Sgt. James Francis Day II served his country honorably as a member of the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater as an aircraft mechanic. He was awarded two bronze stars for his valor.Upon Jim's discharge he returned to school where he graduated from the University of Southern California with a BA in accounting.

While attending college he met a pretty young coed named Mary L. Schwab and as their love for one another blossomed, they were united in matrimony on June 14, 1952, in Sherman Oaks. To this union one son and four daughters were born.

As a CPA for over 23 years, Jim went to work for an accounting firm out of college before entering practice for himself in 1963. He retired due to health concerns in 1985.Jim and his wife purchased a home on the Lake Almanor Peninsula in 1983, later moving to Chester. Prior to residing in the Lake Almanor Basin, Jim and his wife had been longtime San Diego residents.Jim enjoyed working with wood as well as collecting stamps and coins.

In passing Jim leaves his loving wife of over 56 years, Mary of Chester; son, James III of Chester; daughters, Mary Gronholt and husband John of Anacortes, Wash., Debra Day and husband Neil White of San Diego, and Teresa Miucci and husband Luigi of San Diego along with his grandchildren, Jennifer and Sean Gronholt and Kathleen Miucci.A Roman Catholic graveside blessing service, along with Military Honors, was held in the Chester District Cemetery Monday, Feb. 16.