James Andrew Means

We celebrate the life of our father, James A. Means, who passed away on April 24, 2026. He was born on October 11, 1937, in Tucson, Arizona.

At 18, he joined the United States Navy. In 1958, he met the love of his life, Therese Zimmerman, and they were married on February 21, 1959. Together, they raised four children and built a family that now includes nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In 1964, he moved his family to California and went on to earn multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science. He spent 15 years at Point Mugu and, in 1979, became Technical Director of the Space Shuttle program at Vandenberg Air Force Base. He later worked at the Stanford Research Institute and was a professor at Chapman University, a role he often said was his favorite.

He and our mom loved traveling, especially cruises, and shared a passion for square dancing. They also owned a western wear store in Camarillo for several years. Our dad loved classic cars and taught us how to work on them—and on life—always with humor, like calling a rubber mallet a “persuader.”

He enjoyed trips to Chumash and meals at the Hitching Post. He was very clever and always quick with a keen observation.

Above all, he was kind and generous. Even in recent years, he would ask, “Is there anything I can do for you guys?” and always ended visits with, “Thank you for all you do for me.”

We will forever remember his love, humor, and the example he set for all of us. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.