James Nagy

July 22, 1936 – September 30, 2026

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James loved to cook and appreciated a good meal.

James Nagy, 90, a longtime resident of the South Bay, California, passed away on September 30, 2026, at his home in Torrance, surrounded by his loving children.

Born in Vintondale, Pennsylvania, James was the son of Stephan and Johanna Nagy, both natives of Hungary. The second youngest of twelve children, he grew up with strong Hungarian roots. He attended a small school with just twelve students in his classroom and enjoyed basketball and boxing during his high school years.

James proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. While stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, he met the love of his life, Mildred Gail Phillips. They married and eventually settled in Southern California, where they raised their four children.

While working full-time and raising his family, James earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Manpower Management, from California State University, Long Beach. He also completed a business management certificate program at UCLA.

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James treasured his family and the life he shared with Gail.

James enjoyed an accomplished career in engineering and technical management, including work with Rockwell, Systems Technology Inc., and Dynamic Research Inc. His work involved aircraft and automotive systems, simulation, and government testing programs. Proud of his profession and known for his remarkable work ethic, he remained professionally active until age 82.

James loved to cook and appreciated a good meal. He enjoyed tending his gardens, especially his roses, and became an avid reader in retirement. A gifted storyteller with an extraordinary memory, he could recall events from decades earlier in remarkable detail. Even in his final week, he entertained family with stories of boxing with his commanding officer during his Air Force days. Among his more colorful tales was his claim to have once stolen Elvis Presley’s girlfriend in Mississippi during their overlapping military years.

A devoted Catholic, James treasured his family and the life he shared with Gail. Following her passing in 2005, he continued a touching Saturday tradition of bringing freshly cut roses from his garden to her gravesite, a quiet expression of his enduring love.

In the years following Gail’s passing, Jim also enjoyed the friendship and companionship of Joan Bradley, with whom he shared twenty years of meals, travels, and cherished memories.

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James delighted in the affectionate names his great-grandsons gave him: “Big Papa” and “Nagyapa.”

Proud of his Hungarian heritage, James delighted in the affectionate names his great-grandsons gave him: “Big Papa” and “Nagyapa.” Fittingly, the Hungarian surname Nagy means “big.” He was also a member of the Sons of Italy.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mildred Gail Nagy; his parents, Stephan and Johanna Nagy; and ten of his eleven siblings.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Nagy; his four children, Sally Haire (Tim), Donna Simonton (Bert), James Alan Nagy, and Mary Benson (Frank Benson III); his nine grandchildren, Jonathan Haire, James Haire, Jacob Haire (Jessica), Jenna Herbert (CJ), Lauren Perales (Joey), Morgan Simonton, Sarah Benson, Franklin Benson IV, and Lily Gail Benson; and his four great-grandsons, Nixon, Levi, Owen, and Samuel. He also leaves behind his longtime companion and dear friend, Joan Bradley.

Funeral Services

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church, 25511 Eshelman Avenue, Lomita, California.

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Following her passing in 2005, he continued a touching Saturday tradition of bringing freshly cut roses from his garden to her gravesite.

A reception will follow at 12:00 p.m., with burial afterward at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, where James will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Mildred Gail Nagy.

James will be remembered for his devotion to family, his determination, his wonderful stories, and a life well lived. His legacy lives on through the generations who loved him.