James (Jim) Stovesand
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Stovesand. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, friend, and legendary figure in the Bishop Diego Community.
Jim was born in St. Louis Missouri, a lifelong Cardinal fan, and the only child of Howard and Marie Stovesand. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in St. Louis then enrolled in the University of Missouri where he graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering. He then joined the US Army where he was responsible for water treatment projects and medical supply distribution. Upon discharge, he attended St. Louis University where he graduated with an MBA. In 1967, he began his career in the Securities and Investments industry where he worked for 39 years at the firms Merrill Lynch, Prudential Securities, and Raymond James.
He moved to Santa Barbara in 1971 with family in tow to begin his career in the financial industry until retirement in 2006. During his years in Santa Barbara, he became a respected and active member of the community through his volunteer efforts as a Board of Director at Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara and an extremely rewarding commitment to Bishop Diego High School. At Bishop, he headed the annual fundraising golf tournament for 50 plus years and announced several sports for 47 years which earned his title as the “Voice of the Cardinals” and induction into the Bishop Hall of fame in 2023. What he considered one of his most successful achievements.
He was a very involved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. One of his greatest joys was coaching their sports and attending the kids games to see them play from anywhere from Little League to CIF playoffs.
He leaves behind 5 children, Bruce (Karen). Barb (Neil), Kirk (Donna), David (Emily), Alan (Kristen). And 14 grandchildren, Kristen, Lindsey, Kayla, Marlin, Spencer, Kyle, Brandon, Renae, Hunter, Lauren, Rebekah, Hannah, Joshua, Caleb as well as 9 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held for Jim at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church at 5444 Hollister Avenue on March 29th, 2025 at 10:00. Reception following.
In lieu of flowers, Dad would love donations to Bishop Diego High School Athletics Department or SB Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care.