Jim Gironda reached the end of his earthly journey at home on February 8, 2021.
Jim was born June 7, 1948 in Chicago, IL, where he lived until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1965. After an honorable discharge in 1969, he attended Washburne Culinary Institute, where he perfected his skills in the kitchen, though he still gave the most credit to the childhood training he received from his grandmother. After a few years in the restaurant industry, life took Jim in a different direction, but he never lost his love for food or its ability to bring people together.
After years in the Bay Area, Jim fell in love with Northern California and relocated to Redding in 1985. He “hit the lottery” when he met the love of his life, Penny, a year later. Over the next three decades, he served his community on the Shasta Elementary School Board and the Shasta Community Water Board, as a volunteer for Old Shasta's Art Fair, and as an Asphalt Cowboy.
In semi-retirement, Jim still had dreams of owning his own restaurant, and in 2002, he and Penny opened their labor-of-love-establishment in Redding. They worked together at Gironda’s for 13 years, where Jim walked the floor during nearly every lunch and dinner service, greeting every guest like a friend, always happy to share a story and a laugh. He took incredible pride in seeing his name on the door and he loved sharing his beloved family recipes with his community.
Jim will be remembered for his quiet, yet undeniable presence, his hospitality, kindness, generosity, mentorship, signature dry wit, and his strong, fighting spirit. He struggled with severe health issues for over four decades, and despite all of the adversity, he carried on with strength and dignity - he was endlessly positive, never lost his sense of humor, and always had a smile to share.
Jim’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the many doctors and caregivers who worked tirelessly on his cases, fought for his well-being, and always led with compassion. His family would especially like to recognize Dr. Steven Katznelson and the late Dr. Martin Brotman from California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) in San Francisco, and Drs. Cynthia Dillon, Jeffrey Krahling, Matt Miles, and Bruce Bartlow from various practices in Redding. Deep gratitude, also, to a selfless friend, John Williams, whose kidney donation in 2011 gave Jim precious time - a gift his family can never repay.
Jim is survived by his greatest advocate and loving wife of 32 years, Penny, and his two children Victoria Gironda and Dan (Roseanne) Lockwood. He also leaves behind his brother Frank (Sherri), extended family, and many cherished friends. Jim was preceded in death by his loving parents, Victor and Angela, and his late son, James Gironda, Jr.
Jim departed this world at peace and with dignity. He would ask that we celebrate his life well-lived and a future free of pain.
Jim will be laid to rest at a later date at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA. There will be no service at this time due to Covid-19 restrictions.
In Jim's memory, donations can be made to CPMC Foundation,
Kidney Transplant Program.
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