James Victor Manges

James Victor Manges passed away peacefully on September 1, 2023 in the loving arms of Jan, his wife of 47 years. Vic was born in Santa Ana on April 25, 1929 to Chester and Zania Manges and grew up on the beaches of Southern California. Following graduation from Venice High School, Vic took the Civil Service exam, then moved up the ranks rapidly in the Bureau of Street Maintenance, retiring in 1985 as the Superintendent of City Streets. Early retirement meant no more ties and city politics. He enjoyed the extra time with Jan. They spent time at the family cabin in Wrightwood, where Vic loved to sit by the fire and watch it snow. Summers found him raking pine needles and refinishing the cabin's deck from the snow and sun. He took up golf at the age of fifty and traveled up and down California with Jan playing all the greatest golf courses from San Diego to Pebble Beach. In 1988, Vic and Jan left the hectic life of Los Angeles and moved to Visalia. They built dream homes first in the Lakes subdivision, then Sycamore Creek. Wonderful and precious friendships were made in that neighborhood that continue today. He loved gardening, home improvement, traveling, cruising, and road trips. On August 19th, after almost 33 years in that home, they moved to a smaller home around the corner from Jan's sister Sue. We truly feel that once we were settled in, Vic knew Jan and Sophie would be safe and okay, and he wanted to go home to be with his Lord. Early September 1st, he took his last breath in Jan's arms with his beloved sister-in-law and dear family friend Sandy helping him make the transition to Heaven. Victor married Jan, his best friend and the love of his life, in 1976. He is also survived by his daughter Jill Smith (Stanley), his sister-in-law Sue Sharpe, his niece and nephew Melanie and Matt Moore and their children Miles, Kyle and David, and his beloved shih tzu Sophie. He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Zania, sisters Lee and Mary, and two precious family dogs Poopsie and Annie. Vic and Jan are active members of Grace Community Church here in Visalia and our family cannot thank our Pastoral Staff and church family enough for their love and prayers during this very difficult time. A celebration of life/memorial service will take place in the new ministry center once the building is completed, hopefully in just weeks. We will make that information public once we have a date. His family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to American Care Hospice, Dr. Ron Marconi, and our family physician Dr. Christopher Rodarte for making his last days as pain free as possible. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial gifts be made to Grace Community Church Building Fund, 2535 Lovers Lane, Visalia, CA 93292. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

James Victor Manges

April 25, 1929 - September 1, 2023