James L. Gault passed on Wednesday December 28, 2011 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous fight with Lymphoma.
A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held
2:30pm Thursday, January 5th
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
925 Balour Dr • Encinitas • CA • 92024
A family burial service will precede the celebration of Jim’s life at Eternal Hills.
Jim will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. If you have any special memories of your time with Jim please use the comment feature below to share with us.
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Jim was born and raised in St. Peter, Minnesota where he later received his Bachelor of Science degree from Gustavus Adolphus College. Jim moved to California in the early 1950’s after serving in the U.S. Army. In California, he became reacquainted with his childhood neighbor Patricia Ann Lenander and their relationship soon led to 52-year-long happy marriage. After raising three children in La Habra, Calif, Jim & Pat relocated to Carlsbad where they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006.
Jim’s career was in Aerospace where he worked for North American Aviation (Rockwell) for 44 years. His engineering work was instrumental in the success of the Gemini, Apollo, which led to walking on the moon, and Space Shuttle programs. Jim was a master bridge player and avid gardener who especially enjoyed boating and sports. Jim also was a 50 year Mason member.
Jim is survived by daughters Kathy; Jack Dale, Kris; Jonathan Finfer, son Drs. Michael; Cindy Gault and grandchildren Crista, Kara, Tayler, Weston, Erica, Emily, Peter & James. Jim very much enjoyed his family and they all looked forward to grandpa’s waffle breakfasts and chocolate milk shakes. He is also survived by his siblings Mary Durbahn, Pernell Gault, and Samuel Gault as well as their families.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
in care of Jim Gault
P.O.Box 130491
Carlsbad, CA 92013-0491
All the grandchildren were so happy to spend Christmas Eve with Grandpa Jim.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to all of Jim's family that made his life such a pleasure. We'll all miss him.
ReplyDeleteThe Gault Family lost a Great Guy. A hard working Father & Grandfather. Gods Speed & a loss to all who knew Mr Gault (Jim)
ReplyDeleteHe was the Father-in-law I'll never have, nothing but LOVE and support coming from Jim. He never said a bad word about anyone. He was one of the nicest men I ever knew!!! His family will live on and carry his legend. Deepest sympathy to the Gaults. I LOVE EACH OF YOU DEARLY.
ReplyDeleteKaren Finfer
Mr. Gault, you will be definitely missed and I know your family will carry on your great values and morals! You were the most positive person and a very loving family man! I have great memories of you, as I grew up hanging out at your house! I remember the time, when Kathy showed me momentos of the Space program and how I grew up wanting to be the first female Astronaut, thanks to you! That would have been a true adventure!
ReplyDeleteWell, I know you're watching over us now with Pat and my Mom, so enjoy your new journey and we will see you someday!
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of you...
Love from the Johnston family xoxox
Michael, Kathy, Kris and families--so sorry for your loss. This is such a wonderful tribute to your dad here. Thanks for posting all the photos! I tried to help Dad with this so he could see the photos. Sending prayers,
ReplyDeleteLisa
P.S. Loved the "waffles and milkshakes" comment!
Dear Gault family;
ReplyDeleteMay Our Almighty Father put peace in your hearts and minds. I was fortunate to know Jim and am a better person having that opportunity. Please pass along warmest greetings to all from my family and me. I apologize for not being able to make the memorial. Bless you all.
All the Best in Joy, Hope, Faith and Love;
Theresa, Burke and Jeff Meyers
A genuinely wonderful man who touched all of us. He will be surely missed, but well remembered for his loving kindness and standing as a very solid man. He always opened his family, home and heart to us. Sincerest of thoughts & prayers to you all.
ReplyDeleteMatthew, Kris & Cassidy Finfer
Grandpa was such an inspiring man, and he will forever hold a special place in my heart. In the short time I knew him, he shared countless stories and truly motivated me to approach life with a positive outlook. I'll always remember his excitement at the sugar-free desserts I'd bring him (berry pies were his favorite), and his appreciation for the taco feasts Kara would prepare for all of us. I will dearly miss him.
ReplyDeleteI think about Jim every day and know he and Pat are enjoying a wonderful reunion - you just can't stop LOVE! LOVE YOU JIM! Rest easy, you are always in our hearts!
ReplyDeleteKaren Finfer