James W. Longman, 65

James Watson Longman, 65, resident of Orinda died Oct. 30, 2009, surrounded by his family in Berkeley, Calif.

Jim was born on Feb. 1, 1944, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., the son of William McQuilkin Longman and Eleanor Elizabeth (Watson) Longman. He lived his early years in Shenandoah, and received his education at Buena Vista College and the University of Iowa. He was a chartered life underwriter (CLU) for the Equitable of Iowa and New England Life. He married Mary Frances Younggren on Sept. 1, 1973. Mary and Jim soon moved to Orinda, Calif., where they lived for 31 years and raised their six children. He was active in the Educational Foundation of Orinda, where he was president for two years and initiated the Major Donor Campaign.

Dad is survived by his wife Mary; a brother Robert William Longman; a sister Carol Ann Kirschenbaum; and his six children: Benjamin Younggren Longman, Elizabeth Anne Longman, Katherine Frances Longman, Antoinette Marie Longman, Eleanor Sophia Longman, and George William McQuilkin Longman.

Services were held Nov. 4 at the Oak Park Hills Chapel, 3111 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, California. Burial was at the Oakmont Cemetery in Lafayette.

Memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.

Oak Park Hills Chapel was in charge of arrangements.