James Gardea, 64, of Santa Rosa, peacefully passed away in the early morning of May 26th, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult battle with Cancer. James was born on July 16th, 1956, to Raymundo and Carmen Gardea in the bustling Delhi neighborhood of Santa Ana. After James graduated from Mater Dei High School in 1974, he was honored to be inducted in both their football and baseball hall of fames and continued to pursue his baseball dreams at the United States International University on an athletic scholarship. After playing baseball at USIU, he continued professionally with various organizations before joining the United States Postal Service for over 38 years of service. James was passionate about baseball and loved what he did for a living because he could provide for his family. Fate would have it in 1964, he met Lois Maureen Gardea at St. Annes Catholic elementary during their second year of grade school. After reconvening 25 years later at an eighth grade reunion, James and Lois went on to raise three children together in Santa Rosa, CA. Everyone who knew James, knew how impactful he was on those around him. He was so full of light and a pillar of love and joy and would make friends everywhere he would go. He would make all those around him laugh, cry, or clap at the many stories he had to share. James was predeceased by his parents Raymundo and Carmen Gardea. He is survived by his wife and children, Lois Gardea, Scott James Gardea, Andrew Paul Gardea, Julia Marie Gardea, stepdaughter Amy Kirshen and her husband Keelan Kirshen and his two grandkids Kenzie Kirshen and Mackinley Kirshen. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Eugene's Cathedral at noon on Monday June 13 2022, followed by burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4 to 8pm with a Rosary service at 6pm on Sunday, June 12th at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the associated GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and burial costs: https://www.gofundme.com/f/esjsw-my-daddys-funeral-costs