James Francis Lucchesi

On December 3rd 1938 Helen and Victor Lucchesi’s son was born in Colusa CA. James Frances Lucchesi died peacefully at his home in Blanchard Oklahoma surrounded by his family on June 14th 2018.
Growing up James enjoyed plenty of activities. He was a member of Troop 32, led by Max Yerxa, and a member of the Junior Rifle Club. He had a passion for fly fishing, bird hunting and automobiles. As a youth he worked for his father, Roger Wilbur farms, and the Steidlmayer family farm. He attended Our Lady of the Lourdes Catholic School and graduated from Colusa High School.
James is survived by his wife, Sandra Lee Lucchesi; sister Karla Williams (Bud); son Jim Pingrey, daughter Roberta Null (Cody), son Luke Pingrey (Darlene). Grandchildren Mandy and Katie Pingrey; Matt, Justin and Emily Pingrey (Leslie Pingrey).
James served in the Air Force from 1957 thru 1961 as an aircraft mechanic. His first marriage was to Patricia Armocido in 1958. After his time in the Air force he worked at Armocido Pontiac and was a member of the Colusa Rifle Expert team.
The winter of ‘68-‘69 James was as a ski instructor at Boreal Ridge Resort where he met the love of his life Sandy Ehrhardt. They married on December 13 1969. Immediately afterwards, James went to work with General Motors, relocating him to Orange county, CA. He worked there until he retired in 1992. During his time in southern California, he and Sandy took up motorcycle desert racing where he participated in five Barstow to Vegas races. After bike racing James kept his competitive spirit, buying a yacht. He raced competitively for 14 years with his biggest accomplishment being participation on a crew in the Trans-Pacific race (Los Angeles to Hawaii).
After retiring James and Sandy bought a home in Kyburz CA where they enjoyed the outdoors they loved so much. James was only a short stroll from the river where he could continue his love of fly fishing. James joined the Kyburz Fire Department and was a certified EMT. He had received numerous awards for his rescues performed during the flood and mudslide along highway 50 in 1997. During their retirement James and Sandy took various lengthy trips across the U.S. James absolutely loved history and stopped at every museum possible. In 2017, James and Sandy made the move to Blanchard Oklahoma. Their residence being just 20 minutes away from son Luke and daughter-in-law Darlene. While in Blanchard they quickly found more family when they joined the Newcastle Christian Church. When passing James had assured family members he had lived a fulfilled life and was at peace.
Any comments or condolences can be posted at the Havenbrook Funeral Home website at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers send contributions on James’ behalf to the Colusa Redhawk Athletic Foundation (CRAF).