James T. “Jim” Quinlan, Jr.
Jim passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the age of 83 following a lengthy illness. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
Jim was a cherished husband, father, grandfather (“Papa”), and great-grandfather. Born in Duluth, MN on September 9, 1943, he spent his early years between New Jersey, Duluth, Michigan and Omaha. Some of his favorite memories included spending time with his many aunts, uncles and cousins in Duluth.
Jim joined the U.S. Army in 1961 and spent time with the 19th Combat Engineer Battalion in Vietnam and 3rd Engineer Battalion in Germany where he met his beloved wife of 63 years Ursula. Following the service Jim and Ursula settled in Goleta, CA where they raised their family while he worked as a chef in local restaurants, including Hobey Bakers, for many years.
As a proud veteran, his military service and veterans welfare was very important to Jim and for several years he was active in local Veterans groups including the Vietnam Veterans of America, Korean War Veterans and the American Legion, where he served as commander of Santa Barbara American Legion Post 49 for a time.
One of the things Dad will be remembered for most is his quiet way of helping those he cared for – by just being there and giving his time for whatever we needed, whether it was a freezer full of ready meals, homework help or navigating unexpected life events he was always there for us. Dad was a life-long Minnesota Vikings fan, an avid coin collector, taught us all to cook and play cribbage (so he could beat us soundly) and loved a good poker game. He especially enjoyed spending time watching movies with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife Ursula; his children, Jim, John (Heather), Kirsten (Chris) and Kelly (Jeff); grandchildren Tyler (Heather), Vika, Mara, Sasha, Jamie (Tom), Vanya, Carmen, Anya, Ben, Andrew, Carlos and Rachel; and great-grandchildren Peyton, Brylee, Kyra, Weylin, Vinny and Leland as well as sisters Marty and Diana, brother Pat, niece Cathy (Jim), Jose and much extended family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Madeline, father and stepmother Jim and Betsy, sister Mary and brother Tommy.
According to his wishes, a celebration of life is being planned. Contact kirstenquinlan30@gmail.com for information.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Gary Sinise Foundation (garysinisefoundation.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org)
