JAMES RILEY CROSS

JAMES RILEY CROSS age 78

James (Jim) Riley Cross, passed away February 7, 2011, after suffering from pneumonia and a four year history of multiple medical complications.

Jim was born May 2, 1932 in Camden, Arkansas, number twelve of fourteen children, to George and Virginia Cross. He graduated high school in 1950 and served in the Army from 1952-1954, stationed in Seattle with a Nike base. His battalion has had five reunions over the last fifteen years. He organized the last one here in Burbank in 2007.

Jim attended Los Angeles Junior College while working at Safeway in Burbank and met Connie in 1956 while she was visiting from Nebraska. They were married in August of 1958. He became store director of Dales supermarket large flagship store in Northridge working there until 1981. Then he became a representative for Bradshaw Brokerage and ultimately worked at Fidelity/Lisco Manufacturing. In retirement he helped a friend at his tool and die shop. No job was too difficult and he loved to learn new things. He enjoyed the process of organization and coordination. In any spare moment he would be in his yard and or doing his weekly car wash.

Jim especially enjoyed a group of retired fellows who helped maintain Little White Chapel. He had been a church member since 1961, however, more recently had been attending First Christian Church of North Hollywood. He loved to travel, scenery a favorite choice, always within the United States and had been to almost all of the states.

There was always time for sports. Jim pitched softball then slow pitch for both store and church teams. In earlier years he coached his son’s basketball teams. He followed all local pro teams and was loyal to University of Arkansas games.

Jim was always available for a game of pinochle, canasta (hand & foot) or dominoes being a part of one pinochle club for over 40 years. He was a member of Burbank YMCA men’s group (Y’s Men’s Club) and looked forward to all service activities especially the Christmas tree lot. He was always up for McDonald’s coffee or a Costco hot dog.

Jim will be remembered for his kind and gentle manner always with the most optimistic attitude. He always wanted everything to be kept “smooth and even”.

Survived by his wife of 52 years, Connie Cross of Burbank; son Jeff Cross of Burbank; daughter Julie Hermans of Camarillo; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Cheri Carroll in 2009 at age 50, his parents and many siblings.

Internment is private. Celebration of life services will be held Friday, February 11 at 1:30 PM at First Christian Church of North Hollywood, 4390 Colfax Avenue, North Hollywood, CA, 91604. Memorial gifts can be directed to First Christian Church of North Hollywood or a charity of your choice.