September 28, 1936 - February 19, 2023
James Ray Woolwine took his last drive around the sun on February 19, 2023. When the doctors told him he had cancer, he peacefully succumbed to the news and relished in the fact that over the next few months no one would tell him he couldn’t eat spaghetti and meatballs. God thankfully broke the mold after James was born to the late Claude and Mary (Menchaca) Woolwine on September 28, 1936 in San Francisco.
Being the eldest of three boys was a dubious task but he was up for the challenge as he helped raise his brothers. Claude and Keith generally served as his wingmen, up until he enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from Mission High School in 1954. He quickly moved up the ranks and upon being promoted to Corporal, he had to either stop dating the “German” or resign from his position. He chose love. He married Susanna Marie (Keth) on February 23, 1957. Shortly after their daughter, Patricia, was born they left Germany to move back to San Francisco. Not too long after they had Cindy and Claudine. But his leadership didn't end after his honorable discharge. He became a key player in his father’s Universal Homeschooling agency and later a parts manager for Les Vogel Chevrolet—where he fostered his love for cars. It was in his middle ages that they moved to Lake Tahoe to pursue his passion as an entrepreneur and the owner of the Bonanza Motel in South Lake Tahoe.
James is survived by his three daughters Patricia (Frank) Montelongo, a.k.a. Snooky; Cindy Woolwine, and Claudine (John) Bate, a.k.a. Jellybean.
He loved his role as Grandpa to Janee Waters (Randy), Jacqueline Ratto (Michael), Francisco Montelongo, Lorenzo Montelongo, Kristina Schoên, T.J. Robinson, David (Rachel) Choate, Amanda (David) Mardon, and Aleha Bate ... as well as Opa to Isabella and Alexandre Waters, Joseph and Nicolò Ratto, Kaetlyn Baird, Jamie Schoên, Mitchell and Roxas Choate, Emma Robinson, Rhett and Rocklin Grate, and Damian and Alanya Mardon.
Left with decades of fond and colorful memories is his sister-in-law, Elfreda (Wenfred) Keth of Schirnewitz, Germany, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the United States and Germany.
No flowers, please. What would have made him the happiest is for you to go have a cup of
coffee at IHOP with a friend. If you feel compelled, donations can be made to the American
Cancer Society in memory of James Ray Woolwine.
James will be properly interred with full military honors next to his wife on Saturday, April 22,
2023 at 1:00 PM at the Cherokee Memorial Park Vineyard Chapel (14165 Beckman Road, Lodi,
CA 95240).
We will find peace in knowing you are driving your Monte Carlo through the gates of heaven. We will miss you, Opa. Be sure to say, “y-ello” to Grandma for us.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Woolwine family.
