Jim Wiltshire, Shipping Executive and Sports Aficionado Passes

    James Faulkner Wiltshire, an Orinda resident since 1988, died Aug. 20 from a hemorrhagic stroke. He is survived by daughters Virginia St. Jean (Ron) of Orinda, Catherine (Kate) Bridges (Monroe) of Fremont, grandchildren Caldwell (Cal) and Elizabeth (Beth) Bridges of Fremont and Kathy Enzerink, his longtime friend, companion and partner.
    Jim, born Feb. 29, 1932, in Martinsburg, WV, celebrated his 22nd “real” birthday this leap year. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point in 1954 and retired as a Commander from the US Naval Reserve after serving for 28 years.
    While serving in the Navy, Jim met Elizabeth Ainsworth of Berkeley and they married July 14, 1956. The Wiltshire daughters, Virginia and Kate, spent most of their younger years in the Far East and Europe before settling in Walnut Creek and then Orinda. Liz predeceased Jim in 2005.
    Known globally as “Mr. Shipping/Mr. Transportation,” Jim enjoyed a stellar international transportation career which took him overseas with his new wife to the Philippines, Japan and The Netherlands. He also experienced intermittent sales and marketing positions in New York, New Jersey and, finally, San Francisco.
    An avid sportsman, Jim had a passion for sailing and rugby. Cal Rugby Head Coach Jack Clark said, “He just about never missed a rugby match, following the team throughout North America. He will be truly missed. RIP, Jim, you’re forever ours.” Jim, also an encyclopedia of sports knowledge, knew professional and collegiate players in all sports over many decades.
    Jim will be missed by all who knew him, from the executive to the clerk, from professional sportsman to individual gym rats, to the stranger who was no longer a stranger after meeting him. Jim supported The Steinbeck House in Salinas, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, Seniors Around Town in Orinda and Cal Rugby among other favorite causes.
    Gatherings to honor and celebrate Jim Wiltshire are tentatively planned for Spring, 2021.