James Almond Elk Grove, California Obituary

James Almond

Dr. James Clayton Almond September 4, 1933 - January 3, 2014 Loving husband, father and grandfather James Clayton Almond of Elk Grove passed away Friday, January 3, 2014. His life exemplified that of the larger-than-life multi-talented international renaissance man; he was an adventurer/traveler, scientist, musician, teacher, historian, gardener, family man, and best-friend, life-soulmate to his loving wife, Nanni. He is survived by his wife, Anna Nanni Almond, five daughters and a son, their spouses, many many grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Jim started his early years in a rural, hard-working setting in Gresham, OR. He later lived in Stuttgart Germany, Austin, Texas, Redding, England and finally retired to the Sacramento California area in 2001. He excelled in his higher education at Reed College (OR), BYU (UT), and The University of Washington, earning multiple degrees including a PhD in Chemical Engineering and mathematics-related subjects. In his professional career, Jim applied his skills in mathematics, chemistry, and high-powered computing to both the corporate and academic realms. The highlight of his career was his leadership during the installation of the first supercomputer in Europe at the Unviersitädt Stuttgart, Germany. He also served as Director of the University of Texas Center for High Performance Computing in Austin. Later, he served at the European Weather Research Center in England, as Technical Lead for Daimler Benz in Stuttgart, and as a technical consultant for 20+ years for the Unviersitädt Stuttgart. Jim had a passion for the outdoors throughout his life, hiking and backpacking in far and high places. On his 80th birthday, he enjoyed an overnight hike with many of his family members to the summit of Old Man Mountain, an 8000 ft peak in the Sierras Nevadas. Jim loved music and gave of himself in many ways. He sang in the Sacramento Opera and the Camerata California Chorus (Sacramento) and performed for the Elk Grove Strauss Festival. Nearly every day, he played his guitar, cello, or ukulele, singing songs of life and love. His enduring love and passion for Nanni was his inspiration in life. Jim''s large family surrounded him often and loved him dearly. He cared for, loved, and strove to teach his children and grandchildren to live their lives sensibly and with an appreciation for the wondrous world around them. In his homes he created worlds of interest and beauty and gardens with the splendor of paradise. Jim''s intellect and music, his energy, love, and passion for life touched many, many people around the world. His words, wisdom, humor, and songs will continue to live in our hearts and memories forever. A Memorial service for Jim will be held on Saturday, January 11, at 11am (viewing at 10am) at the LDS Church located at 8925 Vintage Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95829.
September 4, 1933 - January 3, 201409/04/193301/03/2014
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Obituary

Dr. James Clayton Almond September 4, 1933 - January 3, 2014 Loving husband, father and grandfather James Clayton Almond of Elk Grove passed away Friday, January 3, 2014. His life exemplified that of the larger-than-life multi-talented international renaissance man; he was an adventurer/traveler, scientist, musician, teacher, historian, gardener, family man, and best-friend, life-soulmate to his loving wife, Nanni. He is survived by his wife, Anna Nanni Almond, five daughters and a son, their spouses, many many grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Jim started his early years in a rural, hard-working setting in Gresham, OR. He later lived in Stuttgart Germany, Austin, Texas, Redding, England and finally retired to the Sacramento California area in 2001. He excelled in his higher education at Reed College (OR), BYU (UT), and The University of Washington, earning multiple degrees including a PhD in Chemical Engineering and mathematics-related subjects. In his professional career, Jim applied his skills in mathematics, chemistry, and high-powered computing to both the corporate and academic realms. The highlight of his career was his leadership during the installation of the first supercomputer in Europe at the Unviersitädt Stuttgart, Germany. He also served as Director of the University of Texas Center for High Performance Computing in Austin. Later, he served at the European Weather Research Center in England, as Technical Lead for Daimler Benz in Stuttgart, and as a technical consultant for 20+ years for the Unviersitädt Stuttgart. Jim had a passion for the outdoors throughout his life, hiking and backpacking in far and high places. On his 80th birthday, he enjoyed an overnight hike with many of his family members to the summit of Old Man Mountain, an 8000 ft peak in the Sierras Nevadas. Jim loved music and gave of himself in many ways. He sang in the Sacramento Opera and the Camerata California Chorus (Sacramento) and performed for the Elk Grove Strauss Festival. Nearly every day, he played his guitar, cello, or ukulele, singing songs of life and love. His enduring love and passion for Nanni was his inspiration in life. Jim''s large family surrounded him often and loved him dearly. He cared for, loved, and strove to teach his children and grandchildren to live their lives sensibly and with an appreciation for the wondrous world around them. In his homes he created worlds of interest and beauty and gardens with the splendor of paradise. Jim''s intellect and music, his energy, love, and passion for life touched many, many people around the world. His words, wisdom, humor, and songs will continue to live in our hearts and memories forever. A Memorial service for Jim will be held on Saturday, January 11, at 11am (viewing at 10am) at the LDS Church located at 8925 Vintage Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95829.

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Events

Jan
11
Visitation
Saturday, January 11 2014
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
8925 Vintage Park Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95829
Get Directions
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Jan
11
Service
Saturday, January 11 2014
11:00 AM
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
8925 Vintage Park Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95829
Get Directions
View MapTextEmail