James Leo Peck Jr

OBITUARY

JAMES LEO PECK, JR.

OCTOBER 15, 1948 – MAY 5, 2018

James Leo Peck, Jr. was first born child of Enid Lindsay and James Leo Peck on October 15, 1948 in Washington, DC.  He peacefully parted this life in his sleep on May 5, 2018.

James attended Washington, DC public schools.  While in school he played tennis, for which he received several awards.  He was an excellent bass guitarist, and also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.  In 1967 he graduated from Frank W. Ballou Senior High School, and with the encouragement of his father, a World War II Navy Vet, he volunteered for the U.S. Navy. During his tenure in the Navy he served on the USS Vesole, USS Galveston, USS Dixie, USS H B Wilson, USS Lang, USS Wadsworth, USS Paul Revere, and various Naval stations and military bases around the world.  In the midst of these postings, after recognizing his superior performance in other technical schools, the Navy enrolled him in Marquette University (and their ROTC program), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.  Subsequent to completing his active duty, he earned a Masters of Science in Software Engineering from West Coast University in Anaheim, California in 1983.

Outside of work Jim pursued a wide array of interests.  He had a passion for building things. This passion was manifested in machining, when he built prototypes for his various inventions.  It also manifested in carpentry and cabinet making, resulting in various renovations and additions, over the years, to his properties.  Most creatively, he built a backyard gazebo, a complete bedroom set for his home, and a treehouse for his sons.

Among his other hobbies and interests was reading, cycling, and archery.  It was well known that Jim always went above and beyond in passionate pursuit of the things he enjoyed.  He loved Naval historical fiction and sci-fi and collected the complete series of his favorite authors.  When cycling, he would end up riding along the California coast for 40 to 50 miles at a time.  As an archer, he amassed a wall of trophies and blue ribbons, winning virtually every competition he entered.

In addition to his varied interests, Jim’s greatest joy was his family.  He was happiest when surrounded by his wife, his sons and their wives, and his grandchildren.  He fully enjoyed bringing the family together, whether it be for fine dining at a popular restaurant or gathering in the backyard for a barbeque.  Occasionally he would plan an extended vacation, just to spend time with the entire family.

Jim leaves to mourn his wife, Lolita, his three-devoted son’s James Leo Peck, III (Nataliya), of Wahiawa, Hawaii, Aaron Cesar Peck (Denise) of Westminster, California, and Dwayne Lindsay Peck, of Huntington Beach, California.  He has seven grandchildren, Rick Danyl Peck of Sydney, Australia, Karen Lindsay Peck of Marietta, Georgia, Mariya Parkhomchuk, Tamara James Peck, and Leo James Peck, Wahiawa, Hawaii, Cyrus James Peck and Corbin Randall Peck of Westminster, California.  He has one brother, Alan Anthony Peck (Jamelle) of Altadena, California, and niece, Alana Jamelle Peck of Metairie, Louisiana, along with many extended aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of other relatives and close friends.   

Jim was a remarkable person and we are exceptionally enriched to have had him in our lives. He will be greatly missed.  May he rest peacefully knowing that he was deeply loved by all who knew him.

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