On Monday, January 23, 2023, James Albert Sloan, age 97, passed away at his home in the Lompoc valley with his family at his side.  James, a third-generation resident of Lompoc, was born in Santa Barbara on February 22, 1925 to Harry and Clara (Turner) Sloan.  He graduated from Lompoc High School in 1943, where he held a track and field record in the pole vault for almost 20 years.  He was later inducted into the Lompoc High School Alumni Association Sports and Achievements Hall of Fame.  With a love of flying and after spending many days of his youth building gas-powered model planes, he tried to enlist in the Army Air Corps at age 17.  His plans changed when, during the eye exam portion of the physical, the doctor said, "Buddy, you're as color blind as they come." Following high school, he served with the U.S. Army's 528 ^th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion during World War II in Morotai, the Philippines and South Pacific.  In 1946, after being discharged from the Army, James attended the U.C. Davis agricultural program in Sacramento, then returned to Lompoc to work with his father, Harry, on the family cattle ranch.  In 1948, he met his future wife, Esther.  They married in 1949, and spent the next 50 years raising cattle and farming in the Lompoc valley.  Although a farmer by occupation, his interests went well beyond the profession he cared for.  He loved woodworking, leather braiding, and particularly listening to and playing music.  He served on the board of the California Cattlemen's Association, and the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery Board.  James, a loving husband, father, and grandfather created lasting memories for his family, and his humbleness, kindness and gentle spirit will be greatly missed.  He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Esther, sons Thomas (Cindy) Sloan and Michael (Karen) Sloan, daughter, Susan (Darryl) Dalcerri, five grandchildren- Jeremy (Suzanne) Dalcerri, Jason (Brittany) Dalcerri, Jamie Sloan, Sandra (Roger) Baril, and Madalyn (Zack) Mays, and eleven great-grandchildren.  A private graveside service for the family will be held at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.  Contributions may be made in his honor to the Lompoc Valley Historical Society.