James Preece passed away on November 16, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. James was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Rae Preece and Ida Roe Preece on September 10, 1925. Raised in San Antonio, Texas, he came to California as a young navy recruit. After his discharge he attended college, graduating from Pepperdine University in 1949 with a B.S. degree in Psychology. He moved to Lompoc and married Beverly Ann Morehart on December 22, 1951.

James was the ranch manager for Bodger Seed Company for many years, and later a sales manager for the Prudential Insurance Company. He was a lifetime member of the Lompoc B.P.O.E. Lodge #2274, and active in the Y.M.C.A. for many years. He and his wife, Beverly traveled the country, spending weeks at a time on and off the road "seeing the sights" from coast to coast. James was an avid fly fisher, backpacker, and enjoyed hunting trips. He collected wine and loved cooking for his family. He enjoyed a good debate and never missed reading an issue of the National Geographic or his many science magazines.

James is survived by: Beverly, his wife of nearly 60 years, his four daughters, Kathleen Hatchell (James), Nancy Andrews (James), Shelley McCabe (Billy), and Susan Luna (Ignacio); grandchildren Shane Andrews (Claudia) Rae Preece, Brandon Luna (Jamie), Rachel Wilson (Scott), Cameron Luna (Marisa),;and Megan Beach (Robert); great-grandchildren Marc Andrews, Ethan Andrews, Andrew Luna, Dylan Luna, Corrine Andrews, Reece Luna, Cooper Andrews, and Avery Wilson. He is predeceased by his parents, sisters Mary Emily Casbeer, Nancy Dolan, and brother John C. Preece.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church of Lompoc.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Foundation, 222 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, the Lompoc Historical Society, P.O. Box 88, Lompoc, CA 93438, or the charity of your choice.