James Tarantino

Once upon a time, on December 24, 1948, in San Francisco, a grumpy baby boy was born to John and Genevieve Tarantino. They would name this baby James, who would be called Jim, who would later be known as Grumpy. Jim grew up in the Bay Area with his parents and sister, Kathy. The relentless torturing of Kathy became a favorite pastime of Jim’s. He also enjoyed wreaking havoc and general tomfoolery and debauchery. As a teenager, he met a beautiful Indian princess named Barbara. Jim and Barbara would go on to get married and have 3 not-quite-as-grumpy children, Brent, Beverly, and Jamie. Somewhere in between children, Jim and Barbara made like a banana and split from the Bay Area to Auburn, where they put down roots and raised their rugrats. Jim grumpily supported his family as a grumpy roofing contractor for 20 years until he lost a battle with some black ice on a rooftop, ending his roofing career. Early retirement allowed Jim to grumpily focus on his interests which included being grumpy, being Sicilian (not Italian), being the most devout Raiders fan on earth, casino blackjack, raising birds, and bickering with Barbara. He enjoyed doting on his grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as Grumpy. Grumpy embraced his moniker, and amassed numerous t-shirts and hats proclaiming his grumpiness to the world, as well as other sarcastic phrases. Grumpy was preceded in death by his parents John and Genevieve, and son, Brent. Grumpy leaves behind his wife Barbara, daughters Beverly and Jamie, grandchildren Brent Jr., Allie, Genevieve, and Marshall, sister Kathy, and numerous family and friends who will forever miss his grumpiness.

A celebration of life will be held for Jim on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 12-4 pm at St. Joseph’s Church Parish Hall located on 1162 Lincoln Way in Auburn, CA, where all can raise a glass of cheap bourbon to commemorate Jim. Guests are encouraged to dress casually and/or sarcastically in Jim’s honor.