Obituary of James Byron Denton

February 4, 1930 - September 7, 2019

Resident of Santa Cruz, CA

Jim was born near Jonesboro, Arkansas, the eldest of three children of Joseph and Georgia Breedlove Denton. He lived in California since his high school years. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on September 7, 2019.

Generous, gentle, and kind, as well as tall and athletic, Jim was a gifted athlete throughout his life and a natural-born teacher and mentor, a role he loved.  Jim graduated from the College (now University) of the Pacific in Stockton, first with a Bachelors degree in 1952 and later a Masters Degree in Physical Education.

Jim excelled in shaping the lives of those around him for the better.  He spent more than 33 years coaching and teaching, first in the US Army, then in Brentwood, and then for many years at the Glenwood Boys Ranch in La Honda.  He enjoyed basketball, senior softball, and especially his church family – both Peninsula Covenant Church in Redwood City and Community Covenant Church in Scotts Valley.  He loved spending time with his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Roberta (née Lattin), his daughter Denise, his son Michael, their spouses Simon and Siri, and five beloved grandchildren: Sam, Abe, Emma, Clara and Isobel.  He also leaves a sister and brother-in-law, Joann and Frank Pinckney.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Jim’s life: 

Saturday, October 19 at1:00

Community Covenant Church Scotts Valley

2700 El Rancho Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Jim Denton may be sent to the following organizations:

Community Covenant Church (Jim Denton Memorial Fund)

2700 El Rancho Drive

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Hospice of Santa Cruz County

940 Disc Drive

Scotts Valley, CA 9566

https://www.hospicesantacruz.org/ways-to-give/