James "Jim" Gomez

Our beloved dad, James “Jim” Gomez, 81, of Nampa passed away peacefully at his home on August 21, 2023. He was born April 12, 1942, in Morenci, Arizona, to Santiago Gomez and Ruth Hill. 

Dad’s childhood was spent in Alamogordo, New Mexico, with his father and paternal grandparents. He would often tell stories of shenanigans and mischief. When he told these stories, as he would any story, his face would light up and a big smile would appear on his face, there were many loud laughs throughout as well. If you happened to be nearby, you knew a story was being told by him when you heard his laugh. These stories were a treat for anyone who happened to be in conversation with him and often included references of his younger brother Joe, who passed away in 2012. Dad loved him dearly and missed him so much.

Dad ended up moving to California where destiny intervened and created the path that brought our parents together. He met our mom, Dianne, the love of his life in Rosemead, California. They met during drama class while mom was practicing Pippa’s Song, by Robert Browning. Mom tells about a strong connection they felt for each other, which led them to be married on June 4, 1966. They started their long and beautiful love story in Mountain Home, Idaho, where he was stationed at the time. This is where 2 of the 6 kids were born.

In 1969, they moved back to California and had 4 more kids. The house was busy, full of love, and included weekly attendance of church functions and events. We all have fond memories of dad, his creative meals like pancakes with peas, cream of wheat with lumps, and mayonnaise and peanut butter sandwiches. He loved to share his favorite snacks like canned sardines, oysters, and gizzards with us. He helped expand our palate and we thank him for it.

He loved all things science fiction including films and podcasts, and could sit and talk for hours about it with passion.

Dad was always very affectionate towards mom and we often saw him gently touch her, hold her hand, or give her a kiss and hug; we knew she loved all of it, even though she didn’t show it. They loved to square dance and we have many memories of them doing so. Their marriage was a wonderful 57 years.

Dad was very proud of his service to his country. He served four years in the Air Force and was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, in Idaho. This is how he came to know the state he would eventually settle in.

Dad could strike up a conversation with anyone and never shied away from an opportunity to make more friends. He had a way of making people feel welcome and included. If you had the privilege of knowing him, you know what we are talking about.

For many years, dad was an active member of the Knights of Columbus at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Boise and continued to attend meetings until he was no longer able to. Even though our parents could no longer attend Sacred Heart, they continued to practice their Catholic faith and attended mass in Nampa, at St. Paul’s.

Dad loved to tinker and you would often see him with string in his hand working on the latest knot he was learning to master. He learned so intensely, that he could tell you all sorts of facts about what he was learning. He liked to keep busy, especially during the times he spent at dialysis for hours at a time. We want to express our sincerest gratitude to the Liberty Dialysis Center and the care they took with our dad.

He always had something in his pocket to keep him busy, and if you needed anything like a tool or a snack, he always had it. He gave a whole new meaning to the saying, “everything but the kitchen sink.” He was a giver of his curiosity, often giving us random gifts, he purchased online.

Dad is survived by our mom, Dianne; children, James (Maricela) of Camarillo, CA, John (Cristina) Yucaipa, CA, Christina (Tim), Jerry (Meadow), Jason (Maria), all of Boise, and Lori (Patrick) of Nampa; sisters Gladys and Norma. He has 27 grandkids and 9 great grandkids. Each of us carries wonderful memories of him that we will always treasure.

Dad is preceded in death by his brother, Joe, three sisters, parents, and grandparents.

As we grieve the loss of a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, we would like to thank everyone for all their prayers, support, positive thoughts, and spiritual comfort in our time of need. Dad was loved and we have felt that in the messages sent to us.

Dad will be remembered with love, his sense of humor, and his joyous approach to life. He was a loving, kind, and thoughtful man, who brought laughs and stories to those who were lucky enough to meet him. We are comforted in knowing he is reunited with his brother, sisters, parents, grandparents, and friends. 

Funeral Services include a viewing on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M at Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. On Wednesday, August 30, a rosary will be held at 10:30 A.M., followed by mass at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Boise. There will be a reception right after. Burial will be at 3:00 P.M. at Mount Calvary Cemetery, in Nampa.

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