James Joseph Grossi Jr.

“Jim” was born on November 3rd, 1946 in Petaluma, California to James Grossi Sr. and his wife, Rose Halter Grossi. He grew up on his family’s Marindale Ranch in West Marin County, which was purchased by his grandfather in 1917, attended Burdell Elementary School, and Petaluma High School graduating in 1964. Jim met the love of his life, Michelle Rocca and they wed in 1967. He served in the Army National Guard for eight years and went on to attend the University of California at Davis where he received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1973. In 1976, Jim returned to Novato after designing and building his permanent home on the family ranch where he resided with his wife Michelle and their two children James III and Dana.

Jim began his career as a registered civil engineer with the firm, McKay & Somps and after six years, he moved on to Bissell & Karns, prior to starting his engineering and consulting business, Western Planning and Development Company. During the 80’s and 90’s he developed and built several commercial and residential projects in Solano County. He served many years as a Principal Owner of CSW Stuber Stroeh Engineering Group until December 2019 and in semi-retirement formed Grossi Consulting, performing services including Project Oversight, Entitlement Processing, Regulatory Permitting, and working with Institutions of higher learning to establish bond programs to enable growth. In his last role, Jim served as the Sr. Vice President of BetterGIS and was a partner with InfraMappa, Inc. developing integrated software solutions to manage fieldwork, and budget for all infrastructure and utilities-related projects in a single platform.

Jim had a deep love for his family and the land where he grew up. He cultivated his passion for the outdoors in his children and grandchildren supporting their numerous 4-H and FFA projects. His greatest joy was taking his family hunting, fishing, and camping while sharing his outdoor skills and knowledge of animal husbandry. Jim was a passionate horseman and was happiest in the saddle riding not only on the Marindale Ranch, but all-over Northern California, and especially treasured his annual trail ride with the Sonoma County Trailblazers.

Deeply committed to supporting his community, Jim leaves a legacy of civic leadership, having served on numerous boards, leading fundraising efforts, and lending his expertise wherever needed. His most recent board service includes serving as board president for Halleck Creek Ranch-a therapeutic horseback riding program serving disabled children, North Marin Water District Board member, Vice Chairman and Flood Zone Advisory board member-County of Marin, Marin County School to Career Partnership Board; and as a committee member for Citizens Bond Oversight Committee-College of Marin. Additionally, Jim was a Founding Director of the Bank of Petaluma in 1987 and served on the Board of Directors for 10 years. He also served on the Fourth District Agricultural Association Board of Directors (Sonoma-Marin Fair) for 14 years, six years of which he served as President on the Advisory Board for Bank of Marin, was a member of the President’s Circle at College of Marin and at San Mateo Community College. He also served on many community youth organizations, Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Boards. He was also a member of Novato Druids, Native Son’s Nicasio Parlor and Indian Valley Men’s Club.

One of Jim’s proudest achievements was serving on the Lincoln Union School Board for more than 40 years where both his children and many young people in the ranching community attended school. Jim said of the school built in 1872 “I think in this area, we’re a microcosm. Life is different on the ranches than it is 5 miles down the road in Novato. People are very interested in the type of basic education we offer and the different values and exposure than what they’re used to. Parents want that type of education for their kids.”

Jim is preceded in death by his mother Rose Marie Halter Grossi and his father James Grossi Sr. He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Michelle, his son, James Grossi III (Jennifer), his daughter Dana Stafford (Lance), grandchildren James Grossi IV, Nicolas Grossi, Jack Stafford, Luke Stafford, and Emma Stafford. He also leaves behind his brothers Ralph Grossi (Judy), Edward Grossi and sister Beverly Grossi (Pat) along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Jim was a remarkable man, avid outdoorsman and a true cowboy! Armed with a generous and loving heart, he made his mark on everyone he touched and will be truly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and his cherished community.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Loretto Church 1806 Novato Blvd, Novato, California on Monday, November 21st, 2022 at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Jim’s honor to Halleck Creek Ranch https://halleckcreekranch.org/ or Future Farmers of America-Petaluma Chapter located at Petaluma High School, 201 Fair St, Petaluma, CA 94952.