James E Paschall

James E. (Jim) Paschall, adored husband, father, and grandfather, left this earth to be with Our Lord on Dec. 7, 2020. The son of Fred (Pat) and Myrtle Leatherman Paschall, Jim was born on August 7, 1943 in Jacksonville, Florida. He moved to San Diego as a child and considered himself a true "beach Boy."
Jim graduated from Mission Bay High School in 1961, and San Diego State in 1965. He received a master's degree in education from Point Loma University and a second master's in counseling from National University. He was a teacher and counselor for the San Diego Unified School District until his retirement in 2002.
Jim married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Pope, and they had two daughters, Amanda (Williams) and Lisa (Nielsen). A second marriage to Nancy Hester added three stepchildren, John, Wain, and Andrea (Hester). Jim and Nancy added one child of their own, David Paschall. After Nancy's death Jim married Patricia (Pat) Church in 2003. This union brought two more stepchildren, Mike and Brian Church, into the Paschall family. The combined families now boast 13 grandchildren, whom Jim adored.
Throughout his life Jim had a passion for helping those who were "on the fringes." As an educator he specialized in working with troubled youth. After retirement Jim volunteered at Donovan Prison, Vista County Jail, and La Posada Men's Shelter. He never condescended to anyone, considering each individual as a unique child of God.
In 2007 he adopted the Catholic faith and took his love for people to the next level. Jim loved everything about his new faith and he explored it deeply…reading, sharing, and giving. His always-smiling face was well known at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carlsbad.
Jim loved life, and it showed. His bright personality lit up the room. He loved to tease and jest, delighting children and adults alike with his funny ways. Jim found his own joy in life by seeing happiness in others, and he always tried to contribute to that happiness. His passing has left a huge void, but his spirit will always be with us, bringing us the smiles he loved to see.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Steven and David. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carlsbad at 10:AM on December 31, 2020, and a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring or summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Catholic Charities La Posada de Guadalupe or to your favorite charity.