Jim Lunny has walked on. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and those people lucky enough to enter his orbit over the years. A passionate advocate for social justice, the environment, and peace, Jim was never shy about sharing his opinions and beliefs. He treated everyone with respect and was equally comfortable meeting people in church, on a plane, on a bar stool, or in the grocery store. However he met you, Jim always made you feel valued and important.
The oldest child of James and Ursula Lunny, Jim was born in San Francisco, CA and was a devoted brother to his younger sisters, Patricia Dolores and the late Barbara Louise (affectionately known as Aunts Dee and B’Lou.) He spent much of his later childhood in Larkspur before graduating from Mount Tamalpais High School in 1949. He was shaped most profoundly by his years in the Navy (1951 – 1955) and to the end of his life spoke with great reverence for his fellow sailors who served with him on the USS St. Paul; the “Fighting Saint.”
After his military service, Jim earned a BA at San Jose State University (1958) and settled into a long career at UC Santa Cruz where he helped thousands of employees navigate the world of UC benefits. Jim discovered a passion for teaching following his retirement from UC, forever changing the lives of countless students who took his ESL classes at the San Jose - Campbell Adult Education program.
Jim had many loves – a good book (mysteries and biographies were at the top of his list), a good wine (especially if it was under $10), travel, sports, classic TV (Seinfeld, The West Wing, British mysteries) and hanging out at restaurants where everyone knew his name (Bill’s in
Willow Glen was always the best.) But no doubt about it, Jim’s greatest love was his family.
Jim is survived by his wife, soul mate, and fellow traveler of 58 years, Sheila. Together they raised four children – Peter (John), Patrick (Cheryl), Andrew, and Megan (Isaac) – who were loved unconditionally and, in turn, continued their parents’ tradition of faith through action. Jim adored his grandchildren – Austin, Tessa, Andre, Mia and Keenan – and had no doubts that the world was in very capable hands. Jim never expressed fear or concerns about his own mortality; he knew his legacy – his values and his love for others – would live forever in his children, grandchildren, and all the successive generations.
While Jim never mastered the art of making a long story short, he did master the art of making a long life meaningful and filled with love. For that, his family is forever grateful.
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