Obituary of James "Jim" Maleta

James “Jim” Maleta, 71, passed away peacefully at his Soquel home surrounded by his loving family Jim was born in Oakland, CA and grew up with his adoptive parents, Mildred and John Maleta, in Watsonville. He attended T.S. MacQuiddy Elementary, E.A. Hall Middle School and Watsonville High (class of 1971) where he excelled in basketball, golf and skiing. He was loved by all his classmates. Jim earned his Bachelors Degree in Business Finance from Santa Clara University in 1975. After a couple years in Seattle, he returned to the area and settled in Soquel. He worked as a property land manager for Granite Rock, and later for Morgan Stanley as a stock broker. In 1984 he married Katie Bargetto and together they raised 3 beautiful children, Mary (Andy), Nicholas and Joseph Maleta. He had 4 grandchildren, Lucia, Oliver, Annie and Tommy. Jim is also survived by Katie’s 9 siblings and their families. Jim was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he was a participant in CIC. Jim’s family was the most important part of his life, especially family gatherings and doing things with his children. Jim and Katie recently completed their third pilgrimage on Camino De Santiago, Spain. Services will be held at a future date. Contributions preferred to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scots Valley, Ca 95066