James (Jim) Lloyd Munson of Hemet California passed away peacefully in the company of family on July 1,2017. He was 79 years old. Jim was born on May 25th, 1938 in Inglewood, California to Clarence and Dorothy Munson. He was the second of four children and grew up in the Arlington area of Riverside Ca. After graduating from Poly High, he started at Riverside Junior College, but then joined the Army Reserves 426th located in San Bernardino, Ca. When he returned from training camp Jim meet the love of his life, Donna Warren, at First Christian Community Church in Riverside. They were married in 1959.

     Jim and Donna spent many wonderful years raising their children Julie and Jim II. During this time Jim was rising in the ranks at Stater Bros. He started as a box boy at 16 and advanced to Manager of several stores. The family relocated to Hemet after Jim became the Manager of the State St. store and soon after was promoted to the Supervisor of nine stores. Jim advanced to become Senior Buyer where he contributed to the House Plant program and Liquor program, which remains profitable today. In total Jim worked for Stater Bros for 36 years. During these busy years Jim went to night school to first earn his AA from Riverside City College and then his BA in Business Management from Redlands University in 1986. In 1991 Jim left Stater Bros and he and Donna invested in a Mail Boxes Etc franchise. Their son, Jim II was brought on to manage the business. Until the business became profitable Jim took on extra work substitute teaching in local schools, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Eventually the business took off and Jim disenfranchised from MBE and renamed it Mt. Plaza Mail Pac & Ship. He always enjoyed serving his customers and had a warm way of greeting them.

     Friends and family remember Jim teaching his kids how to body surf during family vacations to Mexico and local beaches. He loved watching baseball especially the Angels. He was involved in bowling leagues for many years and struggled with golf but still loved it. Later in his life Jim recommitted himself to his faith in Christ and his demeanor and spirit were dramatically changed. He dealt with a difficult medical condition (Lewy Body Dementia) with grace and was able to persevere with a joyful spirit that those who encountered could feel.

     Jim is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 57 years, Donna and his daughter Julie James, husband Gary and granddaughters Ashlyn and Allie. His son Jim II Munson, his wife Faith and grandchildren Jim III and Heather. Sister Mary Lou Levin and brother Mike Munson. Jim is predeceased by his brother Fred Munson and parents Clarence and Dorothy Munson.

     A Celebration of life will take place at Hemet Valley Mortuary 403 N. San Jacinto St. Hemet, Ca. on Saturday August 5, 2017 at 11:00 am. Jim loved life and color. Please no black, if you feel so inclined. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lewy Body Dementia Association, LBDA.org

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