James R. Flores Sr.

In the song of life, James R. Flores Sr. was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time listening than talking, James preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him was peaceful. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free yet gentle spirit, James believed that his actions definitely spoke for themselves. James perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a respectful man who always presented himself in a loving way. He was a generous man who didn't have much but was willing to share what he had.

James was born on March 16, 1957 at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning, California. His parents were Florencio and Lucia Flores. James was raised in Beaumont, California. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to stimulate his mind. James rarely called attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, James showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with four siblings. He had three brothers, Patrick, Len and Daniel and one sister, Elizabeth.

As a young child he was rambunctious and was always looking for mischief.

As he was growing up, James developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was taking things apart to see how they work, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, James liked concrete things. Growing up, James took part in baseball. In his spare time he loved to race his Radio Flyer. However, to James, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in his school years, James showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects that challenged him. At times, school learning did not provide James with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His ability to learn was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He graduated from San Andreas High School in 1975. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was History. James would sometimes miss school but could catch up quickly. He was the envy of the class for his ability to still be ahead without attending class regularly.

In college, James showed that he was able to focus on what was necessary. He found it quite easy to dive headlong into classes, especially those that truly interested him. Using his understanding of language, James was able to move comfortably through a wide variety of courses. He also demonstrated his artistic temperament and talent, even in classes that weren’t typically considered art courses. James’s ability to assemble highly creative projects became second nature to him. James took classes at San Jacinto College. His professors told him that he could be anything he wanted to be. He wanted to be a lawyer. He also graduated from Machinist School.

Those who didn’t know James well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. James was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of James’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were his cousins. Later in life, he became friends with Vince Marquez and Regina and Joe Barnes.

James was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. James was blessed with eight children, four daughters, Marlana, Miranda, Breanna and Michelle and four sons, James Jr., Daniel, Christian and Anthony. He was also blessed with ten grandchildren., Steven, Marty, Nathan, Jared, Lorenn, Serena Marquez, Jocelyn, Michael, Gabriel and Serena.

James found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. In his early life he worked as a Ranch Hand at his uncle Ben and aunt Mollie's ranch. He also worked as a Machinist . Later in life he got his truck driver's license and traveled with his cousin Frankie. James tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

James enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were reading, video games, watching the Discovery Channel and he loved to listed to music. James was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

James’ faith was important to him. He was a member of San Gorgonio Catholic Church for 30 years. He later attended Beaumont Seventh Day Adventist Church. During that time, he attended seminars. James' passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

Because he loved the world around him, James enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. James put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included Mexico, Las Vegas and Washington.

James was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of James’s favorites was a dog named "Dog" that he taught Spanish.

James passed away on September 27, 2010 at Kindred Hospital in Ontario, California. James fought a brave battle against complications from a brain stem stroke. He is survived by his children, Marlana (Josh) Evans, James R. Flores, Jr., Miranda (Michael) Marquez, Breanna Flores, Daniel Flores, Michelle Flores, Christian Flores and Anthony Flores; ten grandchildren, Steven, Marty, Nathan, Jared, Lorenn, Serena Marquez, Jocelyn, Michael, Gabriel and Serena; mother, Lucia Flores; sister, Elizabeth (Dave) Davisson; brothers, Patrick (Laurie) Flores and Len Flores. Visitation services were Monday, October 4, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM followed by an Evening Service beginning at 6:00 PM at Weaver Mortuary Chapel 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223. Funeral Services were Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Weaver Mortuary Chapel 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223. James was laid to rest in Mt. View Cemetery 1315 Edgar Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223.

James was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. James always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. James was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember James R. Flores Sr.