James Bernard Bertero, 83, died Jan. 10, 2023 at home in Solvang of natural causes. He was born Aug. 20, 1939 in Los Angeles to John Benedict Bertero Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Nagle.
He grew up the fourth of five children in Los Angeles, attending Loyola High School and Loyola University. Upon graduation in 1961 he entered the United States Air Force, serving as a 2nd lieutenant and then captain.
He earned his J.D. from the University of Southern California School Law School in 1969 and went on to a 51-year career as a civil litigator with Musick Peeler & Garrett in Los Angeles.
He married the love of his life Ann Elizabeth Gibson on Aug. 26, 1961 in Los Angeles. They raised their family of three in San Marino, moved to La Jolla, and settled in Solvang in 1997.
Jim was a devoted and loving husband, and a strict father with a mischievous sense of humor. He was a “family first” man who together with Ann created a beautiful legacy in their immediate and extended family as well as in their community through their generosity of spirit.
Jim was a lifelong learner with an always curious mind, an avid reader, and lover of world and California history. He thrived in genuine debate or lively discussion mixed with a healthy dose of humor.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years Ann, youngest son Tom, daughter-in-law Jackie, and his four siblings.
He is survived by his daughter Lisa Bertero Palmer (Steve); son Jim Jr. and daughter-in-law Elisabeth; eight grandchildren Andrew, Brendan and Ian Palmer, Christine Smith (Ryan), Corinne, Sarah, Colin (Sarah Kay) and Sophia Bertero; four great grandchildren Merrick, Reese and Grant Bertero, Mason Smith; numerous nieces and nephews; and his loyal canine companion Vinnie.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 11 at Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang. A reception following mass will be held at Jim and Ann’s Solvang residence. Committal at Oak Hill Cemetery, Ballard, California, will be private.
Donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation Ann Bertero Scholarship Fund.
Loper Funeral Chapel, Ballard, CA, directors.
Alla famiglia Gramps.