Obituary of James Clarence Costa

On Monday November 14th, 2022, James “Jim” Clarence Costa - loving brother, devoted father of two, and grandpa of one - passed away at age 72. Jim was born on November 12, 1950 to Clarence “Clee” James And Willeta “Billie” Mae Costa in Alameda, CA. Known as Jimmy to his family, was the youngest child with two older sisters, Mickey and Marie. Shortly after his birth, his parents bought a brand new house in The Manor of San Leandro. CA where James would live until 1969 when he graduated from Marina High school (Class of 69’). Jim was drafted in 1969 during the Vietnam War. Instead of joining the army and fighting on the front lines, he enlisted in the US NAVY, wanting to see the world from a ship (or so he thought). During his time in the navy, Jim never left Texas. He was assigned to work on fighter jets, which is where his love for jets, specifically the Blue Angels, began. Jim was honorably discharged from the Navy on September 4, 1975. As soon as Jim was discharged, he began growing his hair out as long as he could and started tie-dyeing all his clothes. He lived in the San Luis Obispo area after the Navy where he was married for a very short period of time to Julie Dumbarton. Jim started training to become an Electrician. On September 28, 1977, he was hired on with PG&E, where he continued his career for 40 years, working his way up to the position of General Foreman. In fact, most of the electrical substations you drive by, Jim probably had a hand in the building. In 1981, Jim went on a blind date, setup by his childhood best friend, where he met Susan Moreno. On April 16, 1983, Jim and Susan got married at the 3Crosses Church in Castro Valley, CA. In 1984, they bought a house of their own on Barnard Street in Hayward, CA, where they would raise two children, Jennifer and Kevin. On April 21, 1986, Jim and Susan welcomed their first child, Jennifer Marie Costa. On December 2, 1988, they became a family of four with the birth of Kevin James Costa. Jim was a family man, balancing work and making memories with his children. All of the free time they had was spent on the family boat at Don Pedro, taking trips to Disneyland, and attending baseball games and dance practices. Jim often took his children to card shows where they met countless NFL Hall of Famers and received their autographs. Although Jim and Susan were together for 14 years, they continued to raise their children together. Jim was a very active baseball, football and wrestling coach for Kevin. He was dubbed “The Cookie Dad” by Jennifer’s Girl Scout troop and never missed a dance recital or a play that she was in. Jim even attended more NSYNC concerts than he’d probably like to admit. Jim was also a proud Raider fan and season ticket holder from 1995 to 2016. Jim loved riding his Harley. In 2001, he rode up to a bar in San Leandro where he met Sandra “Sandy” Schmidt. Sandy shared his love of Harleys and music, and learned to love the Raiders just as much as he did. They spent their time on family trips to Mexico with her children, Johann and Michael Schmidt, on motorcycle runs with their friends, who called him “Jimbo”, and playing in a weeknight pool league. Jim and Sandy attended countless concerts together and enjoyed bringing the family to Raider Games. They were married in 2014, and even though they separated shortly after Jim and Sandy treasured the memories they shared and still remained close friends. In 2016, Jim moved to Pleasant Hill, CA to be closer to his daughter, Jennifer. Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was in need of more help. Jim and Jennifer spent their days running errands, getting pedicures and watching football together. On February 23, 2021, Kevin and Samantha Costa gave birth to his grandson, Liam James Costa; his middle name chosen to honor his grandfather. Jim wanted nothing more than to be a Grandpa. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mickey, and his best canine companion Lucy. Jim is survived by his children: Jennifer, Kevin, and step-sons Johann and Michael; as well as his grandchild, Liam. He is also survived by his sister, Marie; his niece, Tiffany; and great niece and nephew: Kaela and Garrison. Everyone who knew Jim felt his big heart and enjoyed his playful sense of humor. His family and friends will miss him dearly. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service for Jim will be held on Monday November 28, 2022, at the Mission Paradise Banquet Hall in Hayward, CA at 11:30am. The address is 31115 Mission Blvd. Hayward, CA 94544. All that loved Jim are welcome to attend.