James Richard Penaligon's Obituary
Jim Penaligon, 71, longtime resident of San Diego, California, died unexpectedly on November 4, 2024 while surfing in San Diego.
Jim’s sudden death shocked everyone who knew him. Since his childhood days, Jim was a natural athlete. In adulthood he conquered the slopes, skiing black diamond runs with speed and grace. He earned many trophies in competitive volleyball, and he made running and hiking look easy.
Yet more than snow, sand or trails, Jim was most at home in the water. He won several awards with his flawless butterfly stroke, and his form was admired by many at the swimming pools. He was in his absolute element in the ocean. He covered impressive distances so far from the beach that he appeared as a dot in the distant waves. This annoyed the life guards who feared the unknown, but Jim always convinced them that he had more than enough stamina to swim with endless joy.
Jim was born on May 6, 1953 to parents Dorothy and Jack Penaligon. He and his siblings, Nancy McKenney (FL), Carol Allen (CA) (Bob), and John Penaligon (CO) (Janet), spent their childhoods in Fayson Lakes, New Jersey. Jim graduated from Villanova in 1975 and established his own CPA practice after moving to San Diego.
His family and friends enjoyed his cheerful outlook on life, and he was known for his laughter, his smiles, and his kindness. His parents predeceased him and he leaves behind his wife, Barb, his siblings, his brother-in-law, Henry Ruczewski, and many cousins, nieces and nephews in California, New Jersey and Florida.
While hiking in an adventure club, he found the love of his life, Barbara Ruczewski. They were married in 2004 on the big island of Kona, Hawaii. Jim was a good husband and a devoted stepfather to Isaiah, and he loved spoiling his beloved dog, Presley.
Jim and Barb’s shared passion for hiking took them to our national parks, as well as Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Poland and England. Jim was also a long-time member of his friends-based surfing club that traveled regularly to surf in Baja.
Jim made lifetime friends wherever he went. He maintained cherished connections from Fayson Lakes that dated as far back as kindergarten, and as recently as this year’s acquaintances from San Diego and his and Barb’s global travels.
A portion of Jim’s ashes will be scattered at his favorite surfing spot, Tourmaline Surf Beach.
A celebration of life is planned in San Diego, in January. Exact dates and times will be provided soon on this website, (www.greenwoodmemorial.com) If you cannot attend, please consider posting a remembrance at this website. Your memories will be cherished by his family and friends.
Though an undetected heart issue took him away from our world, his loving heart has left a beacon of light and precious memories for all of us.
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