James Clebert Staggs, Jr.
It’s with great sadness that we share the passing of James Clebert Staggs, Jr. Jimmy passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on June 6, 2023, after a brief and courageous battle with kidney cancer.
Jimmy was born is San Diego, CA on February 6, 1952 to Merryle and James C. Staggs, Sr. As a son of a Navy diver, the family moved all over the United States.
As a young teen in San Diego, he met his best and life long friend, Clyde Bone. They had countless adventures and played multiple sports together. Their friendship continued for more than 60 years. Clyde says our Dad was a “prankster early on and had a mischievous grin that always held a promise of something memorable. Jimmy was someone I could count on and he always put family and friends first.”
At age 16, the family finally settled in Goleta, CA. Jimmy soon met the love of his life, Lori Gauthier and said on their first date that he was going to marry her. Jimmy was a football player at Dos Pueblos High School, class of 1970 and went on to play football at SBCC playing defensive end. Gaining many friends that he kept in contact with until his passing.
He did marry his love, Lori in 1974 and went on to have three children, Cori (Auggie), Stacie and Jay (Mandi). He loved and supported us throughout all phases of our busy lives. He was our biggest cheerleader and was always in the stands supporting us, teaching us hard work, loyalty and what it meant to be a good person and friend.
Jimmy had many careers starting as a Diver on oil rigs, welder, construction and retired from the Facilities Department at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Jimmy was known as a hardworking, get the job done right the first time, professional and a mentor to many in the trade.
Jimmy was an amazing and proud Papa to 10 grandchildren; Devan, Cherise, Tazia, Jordyn, Raegan, Emmy, Presley, Sebastian, Owen and Juliana. He loved his great-grandson, Nico and they were best buds.
Jimmy was brother to Jeff, DD, Marianne and Janeen and a brother-in-law to 11. He was an Uncle to 53 nieces and nephews, and a friend to all.
Jimmy loved all sports, BBQing with family and friends, loved a good story, full of wit, a cold MGD, Roy Orbison, his baseball hats, and visits with his buds.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his brother, DD Staggs, his parents, Merryle and Jim, his in-laws, Aggie and Bob Gauthier and his nephew, Michael Moore.
Celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at Stow Park, Area 1 from 1pm to 4pm for all friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Goleta Boys and Girls Club or City of Hope.
