James Olivarez passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2026, with his beloved wife of more than 70 years, Doris, and his son Robert by his side.

James was born on July 28, 1937, in Alamogordo, New Mexico, to Avelino and Elisa Olivarez. He was the eldest of six children and is survived by his beloved sister, Katie. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Cruz, Sammy, Mike, and Angela “Cookie.”

As a young man, James moved to Southern California, where he attended Narbonne High School. It was there he met Doris Joyce Scalise, the love of his life. They were married on April 17, 1956, and Doris became Doris Joyce Olivarez. Together they built a beautiful life, raised their family, and celebrated more than 70 years of marriage.

Together, James and Doris raised four sons: James, Robert, Mark, and Daniel Olivarez. Although they experienced the heartbreaking loss of their son, Mark, in 2007, their love and devotion to their family never wavered.

James proudly worked as a member of the Laborers’ Union for many years before retiring. Through his hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, he provided a loving home for his family and the life they built together.

Known as “Bird” to many of his lifelong friends, James treasured friendships that began in high school and lasted throughout his lifetime. Whether spending time with neighbors or catching up with old friends, he valued the people who filled his life with laughter, stories, and companionship.

To know James was to know his love of the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, camping, and off-roading were not simply hobbies—they were a way of life and the backdrop for many of his family’s most cherished memories. His home reflected that love, with deer and javelina trophies displayed in the living room, each one representing time spent with family and friends rather than simply a successful hunt.

Throughout the years, James made countless hunting trips with his sons. Deer hunting became an annual tradition, while other trips took them in search of ducks, doves, and quail, including many outings to the Salton Sea. Whether before sunrise in the field or gathered around a campfire at day’s end, those adventures became some of their most treasured memories together.

James was just as passionate about fishing. He enjoyed casting a line at nearby lakes, especially Lake Casitas and Castaic Lake, and made many trips to Baja, where he loved catching dorado and other game fish. He never returned empty-handed, always bringing home a cooler full of fresh fish and little treasures for his grandchildren, who eagerly awaited his return.

Whether in the mountains, the desert, beside a quiet lake, on the open water, or around a campfire, James was happiest surrounded by nature and sharing those experiences with the people he loved.

In his younger years, James raced off-road Jeeps in Azusa Canyon and enjoyed showing Saint Bernard dogs. His love for animals never faded. Throughout the years, his home was filled with dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, goats, a horse, and even a duck named Buddy. Animals always seemed to find their way to James, and there was always room for one more.

James also took tremendous pride in his home. He could often be found pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, tending his fruit trees and nopales, washing the car, or fixing whatever needed repair. He believed in taking care of what you had and never shied away from hard work. Even on his final day, he spent time pulling weeds and washing the car alongside Daniel.

Retirement gave James the opportunity to devote himself fully to the role he cherished most: Papa. Through Doris’s inheritance of her parents’ property, James and Doris, along with their sons Robert and Daniel, lived together on the same property in separate homes. This allowed Daniel’s children, Adam and Tiffany, to grow up just steps away from their grandparents and uncle. The property became a childhood paradise, where grandchildren spent endless hours playing in the yard while Papa cared for the fruit trees, tended the nopales, looked after the many animals, and always found another project to work on.

James loved sharing his knowledge with the next generation. Whether teaching his grandchildren to fish, showing them how to care for animals, fixing something around the house, or simply offering practical advice, he believed the greatest gift he could give was his time. His nieces and nephews remember him the same way. He took the time to truly know each of them and later their own children, always willing to offer guidance, encouragement, and a love for the outdoors.

James was known for his generous heart. If someone needed something he had, he was happy to give it away. His grandchildren fondly remember Papa slipping them a few dollars before a walk to Meyler Market so they could buy themselves a treat and feel just a little spoiled. It wasn’t about the money—it was his way of making ordinary moments special.

James was also a proud godfather to his niece, Diane Garibay.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Doris Joyce Olivarez; his sons, James Olivarez (Marie), Robert Olivarez, and Daniel Olivarez (Cheryl Vajnar); his sister, Katie; his grandchildren, James Olivarez (JoeMarie), Adam Olivarez, Tiffany Olivarez Rodriguez (Javier Rodriguez), Cheri Smith (Jeffrey Smith), and Angela Batta (Joe Batta); and his great-grandchildren, Jameson Olivarez, Juliette Olivarez, Nicholas Smith (Samantha), Victoria Batta, Joseph Batta, Alex Valadez (Nelu Cornea), Gilbert “Fisher” Valadez (Vanessa), and Damian Kaupang. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless lifelong friends.

James will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, cherished Papa, loyal friend, outdoorsman, and a man whose greatest joy came from sharing his time with others. Whether he was in a duck blind before sunrise, on a fishing boat in Baja, casting a line at Lake Casitas or Castaic Lake, tending his yard, or gathered around the table with family, he made the people around him feel loved.

His legacy lives on in every fishing trip, every hunting trip, every camping adventure, every walk through the yard, every fruit tree he tended, every animal he cared for, every family gathering, and every story told about “Papa.” More than anything, he leaves behind a family whose closeness is a reflection of the life he and Doris built together. His love, quiet example, and enduring traditions will continue to guide generations to come.