James George Tingus

Born in Woodland, CA in 1933, Jim was the son of Greek immigrants from Sparta. He was the first in his family to attend high school and college. He played football and basketball at Davis High School and was All-American in both sports at UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and finally for Cal State University Sacramento. Jim graduated in 1957 from Cal State University Sacramento with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He served in the Army during the Korean War. In 1961 he married the love of his life, Joanne Kamilos of Sacramento.

After college, James became the manager of Winger’s Department store in Davis specializing in men’s clothing. In 1975, James and his wife Joanne opened J. Tingus Men’s Wear in Davis. It was the go-to clothing store for business men, UC Davis professors, and college and high school students. In 1989 Nordstrom was opening its first Sacramento store and they sought after Jim to help open and run its men’s suit department. Jim closed J. Tingus Men’s Wear and took on the challenge at Nordstrom. Jim won over his customers with his charm, charismatic customer service and ability to pull together fabulous combinations of suits, sport coats, dress shirts and ties. He earned the reputation as one of the best haberdashers in Sacramento. After 30 years in the retail business, James retired in 2002 to spend more time with his wife and his five grandchildren who brought him tremendous pride and joy to his life.

Jim was an excellent golfer and enjoyed getting out several times a week to play with his wife and good friends at El Macero Country Club. Jim was one of the very first members of the club and was an active member on the board of directors. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren about golf and the lifelong lessons that come with a sport that requires patience, dedication and most importantly, respect for the game.

Jim was a loving husband and father and the best friend anyone could ever have. He loved his family and his friends unconditionally. He was known as a man with a huge, loving heart who truly enjoyed helping others.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister Catherine Tingus, his father George Tingus, mother Constance Tingus and wife Joanne Tingus. Jim is survived by his son Steven James Tingus, son and daughter-in-law Michael and Jaime Tingus, daughter and son-in-law Tina and Mark Harris and his beautiful grandchildren Garrett, Kaitlyn, Blake, Timmy and Madeleine and step-grand children Ava and Evan.

The Services are to be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Sacramento.

Trisagion – January 29 at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral – January 30 at 12 Noon

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice.