This week my father James Lira Sr. passed away at his home in San Diego Ca. Born in Lowell Massachusetts in 1937. At 8 years old he came out to San Diego with his mother on vacation. She said this is “God’s Country” and with that young James and his mother made the decision to stay. Eventually one by one the rest of the family would venture out west and they would all be reunited.
After graduating from Point Loma High in 1955, he like most young men in the area, went tuna fishing. He loved the sea. He worked his way up to Captain and Navigator aboard many well known vessels, Proud Heritage, Polaris, Aquarius, American Eagle, Mermaid, Antonina C, United States and many more. The times with his brother Rollie on his boat the Mary Lucille were special times for him. My memories as a young boy hanging out with my dad on the boats and all the action that was going on will be forever cherished by me.
I love you Dad, and I carry you wherever I go.
