WIKOFF, James Peter

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 09/16/2005 James Peter Wikoff died Aug. 21, 2005 in Van Nuys, Calif. after a courageous struggle with Alzheimer's Disease and Diabetes. James was born Nov. 3, 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska. James moved with his parents at the age of 6 to Orange County, Calif. where he attended school in Santa Ana. He spent most of his life in Southern Calif. He was a salesman, manager of a wholesale meat company and the last 25 years working for the California Horse Racing Board, as a parimutuel clerk at various race tracks. He acquired the love of horse racing from his mother and father-in-law. He enjoyed his big band ERA music and jazz, especially Benny Goodman and others. Throughout the years he would get together with his school buddies to enjoy music from swinging years. He also enjoyed golf, fishing and his family. James will be best remembered as a devoted family man who was happiest when he was traveling to visit and spend time with his family. He served in the South Pacific during WWII and again in Korea in the US Navy. He was a member of the Parimutuel Employees Guild Local No. 280, many teamster locals, American Legion, VFW, and the Wyckoff House and Association, Inc. He is survived by his loving wife and soul-mate, Jean of Arleta, Calif.; cherished father of three children, Valerie (Gene) of Stirling of Lakeside, Michael (Naomi) Wikoff of Salem, Ore., and Pamela (Dave) Gary of Aptos, Calif. Adorned by his four grandchildren Kessany, USAF, Spokane, Wash., Robert of Flagstaff, Cynthia of Chandler and Lauren of Aptos, Calif. He was preceded in death by his dad, Don in 1954, and his mother Nettie in 1964. Subsequent to his passing on, his brain was donated to UCLA Medical Center for Alzheimer's Research. A military memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.