James M. Munson's Obituary
JAMES M. MUNSON
2/22/48 – 12/26/14
Longtime resident of Tucson, passed away suddenly Dec. 26th.
Born in Washington D.C. to James and Veronica Stanonis Munson, the 2nd of 10 children. This Air Force family lived in Venezuela, Mississippi, California, Alabama and Oregon. Jim attended Montgomery Catholic High School, Troy State, University of Alabama, Southern Oregon College and moving to Tucson in 1969, he continued his education and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Arizona in 1971.
Jim began working with the Tucson Central YMCA and matriculated to an Assistant Recreation Supervisor position with the Jewish Community Center. Along the way he worked with the Pima Country Department of Parks & Recreation, quickly established himself and eventually moved south to manage the City of Nogales Parks and Rec. Jim returned to Tucson and took a position as Recreation Director for Pima County. An opportunity presented itself with the creation of the Tucson Sports Park. Under Jim’s leadership, it became the premiere sports complex in southern Arizona. Along the way, he made lifelong friends and inspired many to pursue similar career paths. Another opportunity to continue in sports management found Jim relocating to Southern California where he managed the Big League Dreams Complex in Mira Loma for 13 years. Retiring in 2013, Jim returned to his home in Tucson.
He is survived by long time love, Nanci Bradbury, his children Janet, Matthew (Melly); and Kacie Veronica; grandchildren Antoinette, Taylor, Joaquin, Sofia, and Diego; sisters Arlene (Andy); Christine (John); Mary; Michele (Kent); Jeanne (Mac); Lisa (Mike); brothers Mark (Mary); Malcolm (Michele). Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Karen.
Please join us for a celebration of Jim’s remarkable life on Tuesday, December 30 at 9:30 AM at the Evergreen Mortuary, 3015 North Oracle Road. Jim was an avid reader and an advocate of the importance of sports in a child’s life. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his name to the Lohse Family YMCA, Tucson, Arizona.
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