Jim was born July 9th, 1957 in Long Beach, California to Louise Lopez Castillo and Cipriano Ledesma Castillo. He is the fourth of seven siblings including four sisters and two brothers: Virginia, Michele, Roy, Marcella, Renee, and Charles. Jim grew up in Buena Park and attended St. Pius V Catholic School and later attended John F. Kennedy High. As a child he participated in sports, camping trips, and many family gatherings. In his last year of high school Jim joined the U.S. Army. He did his basic training in Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and was later stationed in Baumholder, Germany. While in Germany he met the love of his life, Heather.
Jim and Heather married in 1979 and have three children: Matthew, Jeanna, and Jessica. Jim moved his family to Fontana where he lived for 19 years and then moved to Bloomington, California where he has lived for the past eight years.
Jim worked for many companies throughout the years as a Local 12 Operating Engineer. He was the construction foremen for Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, California. He graded many golf courses throughout the area, worked on many school sites and was a part of the new LAX construction at Tom Bradley International Airport. In May of 2008 Jim was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, this was the beginning of his courageous battle. While working on his last project at Kaiser Hospital he was also receiving treatment for his illness.
Jim's love for sports got him involved with boys baseball and girls softball where he managed his children's teams from T-ball all the way up to high school. He took many players to All Stars and made many friends along the way. He was a natural teacher and mentor to these children, and some came back as adults to express to him how much impact he made in their lives.
He was a world traveler and was able to visit Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Ireland, and many parts of the United States. He loved skiing, and he had the privilege of skiing in Germany, Austria, and of course Tahoe and Big Bear.
The love Jim had for motorcycles allowed him to take his dirt bikes on trips to the desert where he had taught his kids to ride and spent time with friends and family. As his children grew up and he had more time on his hands he got a new baby to enjoy - his Harley. He bought a Harley Davidson Road King and had many wonderful road trips to San Diego, Laughlin, Lake Havasu and along the coast of California. In 2011 he could no longer ride his motorcycle as his illness became much more severe.
On November 24, 2009 Jim was blessed with his only granddaughter Isabella Louise Castillo, he was her Papa and had a very special bond with her.
Jim's journey here on earth ended on April 30th, 2012 when he went to be with his Lord and Savior, he will always be remembered as being a dedicated family man, great husband, father and grandfather.
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