James Cortese 2/12/1943 - 1/17/2023

James Cortese passed away peacefully at the Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center on January 17 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. Jim was born at home in Neptune City, New Jersey on February 12, 1943 to parents, Vincent and Alberta. After attending Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary and Neptune High School, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1960-1968. After completing his service, Jim took up residence in Northern California, eventually settling in the Sacramento area. He went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting at California State University, Sacramento, which helped lead him to a career as an Accountant and Manager for Air Force Logistics Command at McClellan Air Force Base. After McClellan closed, Jim became an Analyst for the State of California. He retired in 2013. Jim met his wife, Maren, at McClellan Air Force Base. They purchased what would become their permanent home in Loomis, CA, where they raised two children of their own (Lauren and Tony) and shared the parenting of Maren's two children (Eric and Matt). Jim's greatest joy came from raising his children. He showed up at every single important event in their lives, coached their teams, served on school boards, took them on the greatest vacations, and instilled lasting values. Once his children started having children of their own, his next great joy was being a grandfather to Spenser and Alex (children of Eric & wife, Amber), Abbey, William, and Grace (children of Matt & wife, Jonna), and Benjamin and Henry (children of Lauren & husband, Aaron). Jim had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, particularly of U.S. and British history. His other passions included opera, classical music, chess, reading, air travel, the San Francisco Giants, Seinfeld, Law & Order, the ocean, and delicious food. Jim was also a very dedicated parishioner and volunteer at St. Joseph Marello Catholic Church in Granite Bay, CA. After retirement, Jim's main "hobby" was to greet every person who came to the church. As Jim's Alzheimer's progressed, the family needed to move him to San Jose to be closer to his son, Tony and his partner, Alexa, who were serving as his primary caregivers. The last eight months of Jim's life were very difficult, but the family is so grateful that he has found everlasting peace. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am on February 4 at St. Joseph Marello Catholic Church in Granite Bay, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacramento Loaves & Fishes.