James Samuel Storer

December 17, 1933 - February 20, 2015

James (Jim) Samuel Storer was born in Hastings, Nebraska, on December 17, 1933, and passed away peacefully on February 20, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lucille Storer, and his sister, Joan. He is survived by his loving family, wife Patricia (Pat) Mainini-Storer; Steve Mainini (Leslie); Scott Mainini (Natalie); granddaughters Alyssa and Ava Mainini; and a greatly anticipated, as yet unborn Baby Mainini to parents Scott and Natalie. He is also survived by his brother, Van; two children from a previous marriage, Steve and Nancy; in addition to niece and nephew, Leslie and Dr. Mark Storer. Jim graduated from Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco, served in the U.S. Army, and went on to graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1958. In years following, Jim earned his secondary teaching, counseling, and administrative credentials. Jim began his career in education as a teacher in 1959 for the then Richmond Unified School District. He advanced from teacher to dean, counselor, vice principal, and ultimately served six assignments as principal. Although he retired in 1993 from the West Contra Costa Unified School District, he continued as a home school teacher, and a substitute administrator until 2009. As a highly respected teacher and administrator, he touched the lives of so many. He chose a career in teaching knowing the rewards came from the lives one shaped. He was deeply touched each and every time a former student expressed appreciation because he changed their lives. He was always a gentleman! Grandpa Jim loved his family, friends, Benicia, his dog Molly, horseracing, swimming, travel, a good joke, a good book, the New Yorker, pepperoni pizza, chocolate, the SF Giants, games, singing songs with the grandkids, annual s’mores contests in Tahoe and life! Jim joined the El Sobrante Rotary club in 1986. He was a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow. The family requests donations to the Rotary Club of El Sobrante, Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 20134, El Sobrante, CA 94820. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.