James Joseph Conboy

December 6, 1925 – November 12, 2022

James “Jim” Conboy of La Jolla California passed away at home on November 12, 2022, just shy of his 97th birthday.

Jim was born in Philadelphia to James and Anna (Kelly) Conboy. His mother died shortly after his birth, and Jim was raised by his father and maternal grandfather, James Kelly. Three men all named James, lived under one roof.

He was 17 when he enlisted in the US Navy, eager to join the WWII action. Jim served as a radioman on the USS Frost, “The U-Boat Killer.” The Frost was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for “exceptionally meritorious achievement . . .” sinking 5 German submarines in under 12 months! Other decorations included the European Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. Jim was honorably discharged in 1946. He was called back to service during the Korean War and was awarded the United Nations Medal and the Korean Service Ribbon before being honorably discharged in 1952. Jim would remember his Morse code for the rest of his life.

When Jim was discharged from the naval base in San Diego, instead of driving home to Philadelphia, he drove north to La Jolla where there was ample opportunity to enjoy his two favorite activities: tennis and ocean swimming. So, he stayed. It was here in La Jolla, as he was walking along Girard Avenue, that he fell in love at first sight with the woman with whom he would spend the next 66 years – Mary Ann Van Anda. They married in 1955 and the next year he received his degree in education from San Diego State College (now University) followed by his master’s degree in 1959. Jim became a beloved teacher at Longfellow Elementary School and later at Mildred Hale Junior High.

Jim and Mary Ann built a home in Rancho Santa Fe and resided there for several years but maintained their La Jolla connections. They had their favorite spots at the Cove, along Coast Walk, and even some at Torrey Pines Beach. They welcomed their son, Garth, in 1961, who was born at the old Scripps Hospital on Prospect Street. They moved back to La Jolla in the late 60’s and settled into the house on Pearl Street.

Jim retired early, continuing to enjoy his “sybaritic lifestyle”, and providing backup support while Mary Ann went back to work helping Garth start Pacer Software (she in the family dining room and him in Boston), and through all the growth and transitions until Google purchased the business. "I'm VP in charge of recreation," Jim would say. "I make sure Mary Ann and Garth kick up their heels and have some fun. It's a tough job, too."

Jim was a man of simple tastes but of those things he enjoyed, he enjoyed with a passion that rarely faded. The same could be said of those things he disdained (all vegetables), which he would loathe for eternity. He attended the US Open Tennis tournament every summer with Garth, was a LOYAL Padres fan, and rarely missed a Chargers game (until they became turncoats). Nearly every day of his retired life he played tennis at the La Jolla Rec Center, swam in the Cove and then at the JCC, read (usually detective novels), enjoyed movies (especially those with “gratuitous violence and of little socially redeeming value”), and diligently maintained his car. He often said, “If God wanted me to walk, why did he invent (insert the name of whatever car he had at the time – RX7/SAAB/Mercedes)?”

Jim was a true gentleman and a scholar. He always had a friendly smile and warm greeting, and never missed an opportunity for chivalry, be it to hold a chair or open a car door. He epitomized all that was good of “The Greatest Generation.” A man of unwavering integrity and honesty, he held steadfastly to his beliefs, and was devoted to those he loved. He is remembered for his fun sense of humor, corny jokes, and eternal optimism.

Jim cared for his beloved Mary as her health began to deteriorate. He told her daily how brave she was and reassured her that everything was going to be alright. And in its way, everything was okay as he held her hand and lay beside her as she passed away peacefully. In the end, it was Jim who was the bravest of all.

James Conboy is survived by his grandson, Dane, granddaughter Ari Bleu, and daughter-in-law Laura. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann, and his son, Garth.