James Barroca

James Anthony Barroca, longtime Ventura, California resident, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024 in his home; he was 90. He leaves behind his children: son Michael Barroca, son and daughter-in-law Jeffrey and Catherine Barroca, and daughter and son-in-law Loren and Christoph Haar; and his grandchildren: Aliza and Ava Barroca, and Raquel, Lexi, and Axel Haar.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Marie, and his siblings, Joyce Rosario and William Barroca.

Jim grew up in the Bay Area and was active in the Portuguese community before moving to Southern California. He served 4 years in the U.S. Navy and then attended UC Berkeley, graduating with a degree in Journalism in 1960. He married his wife, Marie, in that same year and they started their family soon after. He worked as a manager for the Chamber of Commerce in Oxnard, California in the mid 1960s and then in Thousand Oaks from 1969 to 1971.  He became manager of the Ventura Chamber in 1971 and spent 25 years in that position. He then worked for the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors until his retirement in 2012. 

Jim was known to light up a room with his friendly, outgoing nature. He very much enjoyed travel, especially cruises, and visited many parts of the world during his lifetime, always making friends wherever he went. He enjoyed music and theater, museums, and cultural events. Jim had a unique way with words and loved a good joke, as his family and close friends can attest. At various times in his life he was involved in local organizations like the Rotary Club, Focus on the Masters, Ventura Botanical Gardens, and the local Toastmasters. He loved living in Ventura, in his beloved home of 50 years, close to his children and grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ventura, 196 N. Ashwood Avenue, on Friday May 17th at 3:30, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please support the River Community Church Food Pantry, an organization that was dear to him. Go to www.therivercommunity.org and click on the blue “GIVE” button at the top. From the drop down menu choose “food pantry.”