Eight Bells: James Eddy

James Arnold Eddy, 92, made an indelible impact on the lives he touched before passing away at home on April 12, 2023.

Jim was born in Los Angeles and attended USC as an NROTC student. He graduated in 1952 and served in the US Navy as Navigator on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. His entire professional career was spent at California Federal Savings and Loan retiring in 1990.

He met the love of his life, Janet Ewart, at USC and they were married for almost 70 years. They had a great partnership, embarking on many ventures/adventures throughout their 73 years together. They never missed an opportunity to gather with family and friends. An avid sports fan, he delighted in coaching and supporting his children and grandchildren’s sporting endeavors.

Falling in love with Catalina as a child, being on a sailboat at Howland’s Landing, Catalina Island was Jim’s happy place. For over 80 years you could find him there regularly with various family members or friends on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Many, though not all, will miss his 0800 cannon blast to post the colors.

Callisto, an iconic Cal 40, sat on his mooring for the past 40 years as an indication that Jim was there. He was a huge supporter of the Cal 40 Class and loved to sail and race in local Southern California waters. His love of boating included offshore racing where he competed in many Mexican and transpacific events. Jim’s last of five Transpacs was as skipper aboard his beloved Callisto.

Jim was the Senior Staff Commodore of Los Angeles Yacht Club and Transpacific Yacht Club, and former Rear Commodore of the Cruising Club of America, Southern California Station.

Jim was an ardent supporter of USC and served in many Trojan groups. His license plate was “USC DAD” which he inherited from his father, Arnold Eddy.

Jim and his wife Janet were active members at La Canada Presbyterian Church for many years and then joined St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach after moving to Orange County.

While he did not talk about his faith often, he lived it in the way he interacted and cared for those in his sphere. His faith in Christ became very important to him over the past 5 years and it was important to him to share it with others on his passing.

An extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, he navigated life with unwavering kindness.

He was a man who made the world a better place for so many. We will miss his friendly smile, helpful and positive nature, as well as his lifelong devotion to his family, sailing and supporting numerous activities and organizations.

Jim is survived by his wife, Janet, sister Beryl Kohl, daughter Beryl Cianci (Jon), son James III (Lisa), son Park (Linda), son Andy (Myra), ten grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Services are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach or the Pacific Coast Sailing Foundation in Long Beach.