James Maximillian Sanchez

James Maximillian Sanchez, "Jim" left this planet and returned home September of 2026. I knew Jim for over 25 years. We met learning Kung-fu in Sahuarita, Arizona and shared a love of dirt bikes, movies and endless conversations about space, physics and black holes. His favorite topic was "what was before the Big Bang". Jim never turned down an opportunity to argue and loved to debate. He was the loyalest of friends, paid the most endearing compliments and was always up for a new adventure. He never married, had no children and spoke of no relatives other than his father, Max, who lived to 101 years of age. 

Jim was born and raised in California and never really knew his mother. He was raised by his father, who was a pilot. Jim loved traveling to Costa Rica, and I went with him there numerous times. He preferred his privacy and solitude but often requested my company to watch films at his house. He was a Vietnam combat veteran earning a Bronze Star with Valor and 2 Purple Hearts. He held a degree in film and worked in that industry for many years. He was also a well known art restoration artist, self taught and highly sought after when he lived in San Francisco. 

Although he never married, he shared that his longest relationship was with the romance novelist, Danielle Steele. Jim was a master story teller later in life and wrote several short stories and a few novels. His stories equalled that of Isaac Asimov and followed science fiction and fantasy. Jim - You told me years ago, you were tired of this planet and wanted to go home. I will mourn your absence, miss your intellect and our heated debates.

Love you man. Have a nice trip.

Your buddy,  Rich