James Ralph Shaver

It is with great sadness that the family of James Ralph Shaver announces his passing on Dec. 18, 2015 at the age of 79.

James was a long-time resident of Pacific Palisades and lived most of his life in the home his father built on Kagawa Street in 1936. James lived at home until his passing surrounded by his family.

Born at Santa Monica hospital in 1936, James spent his youth working alongside his father and two brothers in the family plumbing business while attending local schools.

James attended University High School in Los Angeles and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Humboldt State College at Arcata in 1958. In 1969 he graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology with a master’s degree in sociology.

James enjoyed two summers in Spain in both 1988 and 1989 as an E.S.L. instructor.  Additional graduate study was done at UCLA; California State University Northridge; Syracuse University; University of California Riverside; University of Southern California; and Universidad de las Americas, Mexico.

He was a California history teacher at Palisades High School when it opened in 1961. He went on to become a sociology professor at West Los Angeles College in 1970 and then on to Los Angeles Pierce College in 1986 from which he retired in 1997.

James was fortunate to have travelled to more than 20 different countries as well as numerous camping trips in the family’s 1968 Volkswagen bus across the United States and Canada. He also enjoyed many years spending tranquil days with family and friends at his cabin In Idyllwild, California.

He had a deep thirst for knowledge, passion for travel and a love of gardening, birds and jazz music. His willingness to challenge existing conditions and his deep conviction to egalitarianism were passed down to his children.

James will be lovingly remembered by his wife Digna and his children Jennifer, Jeff (Hiroko), Janine (Eric), Joel (Tracey), Thomas and Carlos. James will also be fondly remembered by his five grandchildren Christopher, Gregory, Melanie, Dylan and Brennan.

His wonderful laugh, wit, conversations, debates and especially his hugs will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org.