James Leonard Wagstaff

Jim passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 7, 2017. Born in Chicago on Christmas Day 1928, he spent his adolescent years in Michigan with his mother Genevieve and father William “Hank” Wagstaff and sisters Fey, Jeannie and Mary.

After enlisting in the Navy, he was stationed at Port Hueneme Naval Base. Out with his buddies at the American Legion Hall dance, he met the love of his life Beverly Petersen with whom he just celebrated 65 years of marriage. They settled in El Rio to raise their growing family. Jim was a member of the Santa Clara Chapel for over 60 years, serving as an usher.

A family man, Jim loved spending time with his family. He was honest, caring, loyal and witty. He would drop what he was doing to help his family or friends. He loved to talk to people and loved a good joke. Jim retired from the Ventura Unified School District in 1989 after 30 years of dedicated service. He loved to travel the USA with Beverly to see his family, camping trips with their RV Group and an occasional tour group trip or cruise. Passionate about the game of golf, he loved his weekly golf games and loved watching golf on TV. He was extremely proud of achieving a Hole in One.

Jim is survived by his wife Beverly; children Jerry (Pat) Wagstaff, Teresa (Dave) Brumit, Louise (Pat) Moffat, Bill Wagstaff, Margaret Nahas (Ron), Jimmy (Susie) Wagstaff, Kathleen Ruger, Diane (Tim) Sockwell and Robert (Shawna) Wagstaff; his sister Mary (Floyd) Perkins; and many nieces and nephews. He was the proud Grandpa of Arlista, Lisa, Jimmy, Stacie, Shannon, Naomi, Michelle, Sara, McKenzie, Jennifer, Andrea, Brittany, Christopher, Lauren, Camille, Jared, Rachel, Cameron, Christian, Sophia, Kelani, Olivia, Kaden and Ethan and the proud Great-Grandpa of 35.

Jim was predeceased by his son Bud Wagstaff, mother and father, sisters Fey and Jeannie, in-laws Katherine and Harold Petersen, granddaughter Sophia and great-grandson David.

A special thanks to grandson Jimmy Brumit for the wonderful care given to Dad these last months.

Visitation will take place on Monday, April 17, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm with recitation of the rosary beginning at 6:30pm, at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, in Ventura.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 10:00 am, at the Santa Clara Chapel, 1333 E. Ventura Blvd., in El Rio. Burial will immediately following at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, in Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.