James Arthur Conard

James Arthur Conard, longtime resident of Fremont, passed peacefully at home on April 5, 2018 surrounded by family. He was 85. He was born in Minnetonka, Minnesota. He served in the Navy from 1950-1954, planted roots in Oakland, and married the love of his life, Nancy, in 1955. They moved to Fremont in 1959 and the family still resides in the same home where their children grew up. He and his beloved wife Nancy built the most loving family together — they were the truest of soul mates and deeply in love. They were joyfully married for 63 years; his eyes still sparkled at the sight of her and he would hold her hand whenever they were near each other. They spent countless anniversaries and family vacations by the water in Carmel, their favorite place in the world. He loved neighborhood block parties and for their entire marriage, opened their home to anyone, including their children and grandchildren’s friends. Longtime Fremont residents fondly remember him as a friendly face at the local grocery store in Glenmoor, Fremont Market. He was generous and kind always, and took care of his father and mother in-law in their final years. As an amature artist, he found great joy in oil painting. He was handy with all sorts of tools -- he once sewed a corduroy coat for his daughter on his own (which encouraged his wife to learn to sew), and built the addition to his house with more stamina than kids half his age. He was a master at completing jigsaw puzzles and winning board games. He had a green thumb and loved to work in his garden that blossomed full of flowers for years. His grandchildren and great grandchildren called him “Buddy,” and he happily spent his retirement with them playing in the backyard on the swingset and in the playhouse he built for them. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and Fremont Arts Association. He was a faithful parishioner of Holy Spirit Church in Fremont, and regularly volunteered with Special Religious Education (SPRED), Italian Social Group, Ladies in Stitches, Share Christmas, Healing Mass receptions, and the welcome committee. He is survived by his beautiful wife Nancy; his children Lisa and her husband Michael, Mark and his wife Patty, Kurt Sr. and his wife Karen, and Julie and her husband Muayyad; his grandchildren Neil, Justin, Matt, Amy, Kurt, Aaron, Brian, Lyla, Shadi, and Majdi; his great grandchildren Anthony, Krystabell, Camille, Caitlin, Emilie, Heidi, Cora, Bradley, Raina, Braeden, Noelani, Kaileigh, McKenzie, Tristan, Christian, Mia, Isabella, Geneveve, and Killian; great great grandchild Jasiah; and his brother John. He was preceded in death by his great grandson Christopher, mother Muriel, sister Connie, and nephew Craig.

James Arthur Conard

November 2, 1932 - April 5, 2018