James Andrew Tabacchi

It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the death of James Tabacchi, known to his friends by many names including Jim and Jimmy, and to many who loved him as Nino and Nonno. Jim passed on September 28, 2014, with loving family by his side. Jim was born on December 16, 1937 at Saint Francis Hospital to Emilio and Jennie Zanella Tabacchi. He lived the first eight years of his life at 126 East Canon Perdido Street where his parents ran the National French Bakery. In 1946 the building was torn down and rebuilt to become Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens. Jim attended kindergarten at the old Lincoln School on the corner of Cota St and Santa Barbara Streets, which is now a parking lot. He attended Dolores School and graduated from 8th Grade in 1952. He spent his freshman year at Catholic High and then went to Santa Barbara High School, graduating in 1956. Upon graduation he started work for DaRos Masonry as an apprentice stonemason and worked there until he retired in July 1999. He worked on many projects over the years, including Las Positas Park (now known as Elings Park), the restoration at the Court House and the Old Mission, Lotusland, and various estates in Hope Ranch and Montecito. Jim was a long time member of the Bishop Dad’s Club, the Bishop Chain Gang and worked in the announcer’s booth as a spotter. His hobbies included fishing, camping, woodworking and gardening. Jim made wine at home to share with friends and family, continuing the tradition his father started those many years ago. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife JoAnne, his parents Emilio and Jennie Tabacchi and step grandchild Stevie Pahler. Jim is survived by his wife Terry Thompson Tabacchi, his son Fred (Cindy), daughter Julie (Joseph) Grimes, granddaughter Laura Tabacchi, his sister Alma (Mike) Russo, stepchildren Lisa (Steve) Pahler, Steve (Kim) Thompson, and step grandchildren Jason, Corrine, Brandon (Samantha), Jonathan (Jorden) Pahler, step great granddaughter Peyton Pahler and many cousins here in Santa Barbara and Italy. A Rosary will be held on October 1, 2014, at 7:30 pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on October 2, 2014, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Santa Barbara, with interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Jim was never one to wear ties and would like anyone attending the services to be causal and comfortable; shirts and shorts are perfectly acceptable. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bishop Garcia Diego Football Program or the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in Santa Barbara.

James Andrew Tabacchi

December 16, 1937 - September 28, 2014