James Amato

James Amato, otherwise known as ‘Jim’ to his friends and ‘Jimmy’ to his family, was born in Los Angeles to parents of Sicilian descent. He had a brother named Leonard, in whose footsteps he followed. He attended Halldale Elementary, Bret Harte Junior High and Washington High School. After high school, he attended Harbor College and then USC, where he earned his Bachelor’s and law degree. He practiced law for 45 years, first as a general practitioner and then as a workers’ compensation attorney.

Jim Amato was a good man, a family man, who loved his wife of 48 years, Marylou, his children, Anthony and Gina and grandchildren, Lorenzo and Shayla. Besides his family, Jim’s passion was deep sea fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed gardening and cooking. Jim was an excellent cook and every year he cooked Thanksgiving dinner for his family and extended family. Playing cards was his idea of fun, especially in Las Vegas with his brother, Leo or ‘Butch’ as Jim called him. A loyal friend, he stayed in touch with his high school friends of 60 years.

As an attorney, Jim touched the lives of many people. But most of all, he touched the lives of two generations of nieces and nephews who regarded him as a father figure. Because he never judged anyone, everyone felt comfortable around him and loved him. His happy place was our house at Lake San Marcos, where he chatted up the neighbors, sat out on the deck to watch the variety of wildlife and, of course, get in his pontoon boat and go fishing. (He had to settle for fresh water fishing when he could no longer tolerate the ocean). Although the last seven years of his life were filled with doctor’s visits and hospital stays, he remained positive and made every effort to live his best life.