James Joseph Souligny

Jim Souligny passed away peacefully in his sleep August 16, 2014, just four days short of his 88th birthday. He was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Jim was the only child of Alice and Sylvester Souligny. As a minor of 17, Jim enlisted in the Navy. During WWII, he served on the maiden voyage of the aircraft carrier Midway (now docked in San Diego) as Aviation Ordnanceman for the fighter jets. After the war, Jim returned to Michigan and attended Wayne State University. About this same time, he crossed paths with a very sharp real estate investor -- who was disabled and hired Jim as his driver. That partnership/mentorship sparked Jim's interest in real estate and changed the course of his life. Jim obtained his license and embarked on a real estate career, eventually becoming an entrepreneur broker -- owning and operating real estate offices in both Michigan and California. Jim's philosophy was "take care of your customer first; everything else will take care of itself". He could often be heard saying: "That's Souligny -- S-O-U-L-I-G-N-Y -- hard to spell, easy to deal with." In 1948, Jim met the love on his life, Juanita. They married February 1949 and, drawing on God's amazing grace, eventually celebrated 60 years of marriage partnership together. In 1959, they built a custom home on Lake St. Clair in Michigan and loved fishing and boating. Great family memories were created by spending as much time as possible up at their cottage on Harsen's Island. They also loved vacationing down in Mexico with friends in Acapulco, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. In 1972, their lives changed. They relocated to S. California and eventually settled in Hidden Meadows, just north of Escondido. They traded in the 26' Chris Craft for a swimming pool and golf cart. Ever the entrepreneur, Jim soon set up a new business and opened the doors of Hidden Meadows Reality. Jim was a man of his word. He did the right thing -- even when it wasn't easy. He loved deeply and was strongly protective of those he loved. Yet he also gave his children and grandchildren wings to fly -- encouraging them in whatever endeavors they chose. Jim was a man of deep character and a wry sense of humor. He loved to kid around. Sometimes, when asked by strangers what he did for a living, he'd tell them he worked for the Vulture Loan & Trust Company. In later years, he could often be seen around town wearing his favorite Captain's hat given to him by a Mexicana Airlines pilot. Thus, his nickname -- Captain Jim. Another key characteristic of Jim was his unpretentiousness and respect and love for those of other nationalities and cultures - especially his Hispanic friends. While in his 40s, Jim traveled to Cueranava, Mexico with one of his son to study intensive Spanish (through not very successfully ;-) Behind the scenes, Jim helped a number of Hispanic newcomers to the community launch their own businesses. As father and grandfather, Jim's departure from this world leaves an empty space deep in our heart that nothing can fill. We trust eternity is more than rest, since Jim was a man-of-action who through creativity and resourcefulness loved to make things happen. Juanita predeceased Jim in July 2009. Jim is survived by his children and their spouses Lynn (& Ken) Byerly, Clint (& Cheryl) Souligny, Cliff (& Tiana) Souligny, and Clark Souligny. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Jamie & Jennifer (Clark), Ryan & Janessa (Cliff), Joy, Jenna, Chelsey & Jesse (Clint) and Tracy & Josh (Lynn). In addition, there are also two step-grandchildren, Melissa & Chris, and 11 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, plus 2 great-grandchildren on the way. As father and grandfather, Jim's departure from his world leaves a empty space deep in our heart that nothing can fill. We trust eternity is more than rest, since Jim was a man-of-action who through creativity and resourcefulness loved to make things happen. Memorial services will be held on Friday, Sept 12th at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church 643 W. 13th Ave., Escondido, Ca. -- the community of Jesus that God's Spirit used to nurture our family's faith and strengthen our walk with God over many decades. Therefore, In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions in Jim's memory be made in the form of checks to: Grace Latino Ministries (P. Samuel Gomez) or Grace Lutheran Church (P. Jim Young & P. Doug Francik) 643 W. 13th Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 If you would prefer to donate on-line, it's easy. Just click a link under Suggested Memorial Donations on the sidebar to the right.

James Joseph Souligny

August 20, 1926 - August 16, 2014