James Byers Obituary

James S. Byers Sept. 25, 1921 - Jan. 22, 2007 Resident of Point Richmond Passed away peacefully at his home in Pt. Richmond on January 22, 2007 at the age 85. Born in Dodge City, Kansas. Grew up in Albany, CA. Attended UC Berkeley where he was a member of the tennis team. He swam in Billy Rose's Aquacade at the Treasure Island World's Fair in 1936. Served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Africa and Italy. Met his beloved wife, Darlene Furman in 1948. They married in 1949 and moved to Orinda in 1952 where they resided until 1974 when they moved to their dream home in Pt. Richmond. Jim had an extremely successful business career, which included owning a life insurance agency (he was a CLU), life insurance company, and commercial real estate properties. The crown jewel of his business pursuits was the restoration of the Hotel Mac building (Pt. Richmond) in 1979 to its original grandeur. It is as magnificent today as it was in 1910. It will stand for years to come as part of Jim's legacy. Jim was a very special gentleman and was respected by all who knew him. He loved spending time with his friends and family at Tomales, exploring the beautiful beach, hills and eucalyptus grove on his ATV, going in places unknown to common man where no man has ever been before. Jim's happiest moments were entertaining friends with tall tales and outlandish practical jokes. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Steven Douglas Byers; and his loving wife, Darlene Mary Byers. He is survived by his adoring daughters, Mrs. Karen Byers Mays of San Diego, and Ms. Judy Byers Salvestrin of Petaluma; son-in-law, Mark Mays; six loving grandchildren; two grandsons-in-law; and one great-grandson who will carry his spirit of adventure and humor as they follow their paths in life. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for James, Saturday, January 27, 2007, 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 301 West Richmond Ave., Pt. Richmond. A reception will be held immediately following the service at Hotel Mac Restaurant in Pt. Richmond. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Audubon Canyon Ranch, Bolinas Lagoon Preserve, 4900 Highway One, Stinson Beach, CA 94970, (415) 868-9244. Civic Center Chapel Wilson & Kratzer Mortuaries (510) 232-4383