Julius “Jim” James Kaufman Jr. passed away on Monday January 15th, 2018 with his loving family by his side.
Jim grew up in Michigan and graduated from Lincoln High School in Ferndale. He attended Hillsdale College and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity before he volunteered and enlisted in the United States Army in 1954. Jim completed his basic training at Camp Chaffee in Arkansas in June , 1954 and was assigned to Fort Crowder in Missouri in the Military Police Company of the Fifth Army. During his service he was awarded both marksmanship medals as well as a medal of Good Conduct. After his Honorary Discharged in 1956 he moved to California and enrolled in the College of San Mateo, here he met the love of his life Rose Marie Rancelli. This started their 60-year courtship. Jim officially became an adopted Italian upon their marriage on October 11th, 1959 in Burlingame California.
Settling down in Burlingame first and then San Mateo, son Gregory was born in 1960 followed by Kristine and Bradley. Jim was a self-made man working two jobs during the early years of his working career, sleeping little but doing what he had to do to provide for his young family. He retired after over 50 years working at the Burlingame Public Library where he was a fixture and loved by all. As one of his many responsibilities he also successfully managed the family real estate properties.
He found great pride in bringing creative solutions to his many projects.
He was always active in the San Mateo community as Little League and Bobby Sox Coach, Boy Scout Leader, Soap Box Derby Director, and others. With all of his time constraints, he never missed a ball game or kids event. He had the unique ability to be able to be everywhere and be everything to so many people. He would go to any lengths to be there in support of his family and friends.
Jim was an antique car enthusiast and was a long time member of the San Mateo Model A club as well as a member of the Peninsula Italian American Social Club. He was an avid sports fan and could always be found supporting his beloved 49ers and Giants.
Jim and Rose enjoyed traveling during their many trips around the world.
He is survived by his wife Rose Marie Kaufman, their three children along with five grandkids and three great grandchildren. He is preceded by his Parents Julius J Sr. and Margaret Kaufman. He is joining his grandson Nathan Kaufman who is already with the Lord.
His quick humor, kindness, and generosity will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to either:
The American Heart Association
or
The Nathan Kaufman Memorial Law Scholarship Endowment
http://donate.law.ttu.edu/
His services are as follows:
Vigil
Thursday 1/18, 7:00pm
St Gregory’s Church
2715 Hacienda St., San Mateo Ca 94403
Funeral Mass
Friday 1/19, 10am
St Gregory’s Church
Reception to follow Mass
Peninsula Italian American Social Club
100 North B St.
San Mateo , Ca 94401
