James Fred DuClair
Resident of Pleasanton, CA
Oct. 22, 1946 – May 7, 2025James Fred DuClair (aka Jim/Duke/Seamus) passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2025 due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He noticed symptoms of ALS in 2019, but wasn’t officially diagnosed until 2021. He was able to live a happy, fruitful life up until two days before his passing.

James was born in Oakland, CA on Oct. 22, 1946 to Hiram Clarence DuClair and Elizabeth Ann Roth. He was the youngest of three brothers: oldest, Kenneth and middle brother Gary. He grew up in Palomares Canyon and graduated from Hayward High School. He attended Chabot College and Cal State Hayward.

James joined the Air National Guard in 1967 and was assigned to the 129th Special Operations Group. He became an aircraft loadmaster and was a member of a flight crew on the C-119 aircraft, also known as the Flying Boxcar. James then joined the San Jose Police Department in 1971. He worked as a patrol officer on the midnight shift until 1981. In 1981, he changed career to work in high tech sales selling parts to defense contractors. He thrived in this field, working his way up to Director of Sales. His last career move was in 2003 when he worked in new home sales. He did this until his retirement in 2007.

James’ outgoing personality made everyone at ease in getting to know him. He made it easy for someone to enjoy conversations and being with him. No matter the setting, he naturally became the life of the party. Anyone would forget life’s problems and enjoy the moment with him because of the fun and laughter they would have in his company. James always enjoyed his vodka martinis or Manhattans with an occasional cigar during a nice dinner or a special occasion. In his later years, he also enjoyed having a muscato wine for dinner. All of those who knew him will miss his loving spirit and generous personality.

James embraced and was proud of his Irish heritage. He has many cousins in Northern Ireland, where his maternal grandmother hailed from. He enjoyed getting acquainted with his newfound cousins during the last 25 years and visiting his grandmother’s hometown of Castlewellan, County Down, Northern Ireland. He was also extremely close with and very much loved his uncle, Fred Roth, who was his mother’s and Aunt Jessie’s brother, and with his wife, Anne Marie (Miri). Fred passed away in 2019 and Miri passed away earlier this year.

James met his husband and partner, Raymond Hoo, in 2003. They married in 2013 and lived a happy fulfilling life together in Manteca and then Pleasanton. They also have Oliver, their faithful chocolate Labrador Retriever. James is also survived by his 99 year old aunt, Margaret (Jessie) Roth of Walnut Creek, his oldest brother, Kenneth and his wife Carol of Pleasanton, and their children, son Kenneth Jr. and Teresa of San Ramon, and daughter Carolyn of Hesperia, CA. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, wife of middle brother Gary, Janice DuClair, and her sons, Danny DuClair of Albuquerque, NM, Chris DuClair and Kim of Newman, CA, and Ed DuClair and Amy of Tracy, CA.

A celebration of life open house gathering to commemorate Jim will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 12 noon to 4:00pm at the home of Ruth Young at:
6325 Benner Ct.
Pleasanton, CA

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to two very worthy organizations that have been dear to Jim’s heart:

1) Check payable to:     Young Ladies Institute #44
c/o Valeria Kisiday
1852 Mockingbird Place
Danville, CA 94526

They give three scholarships a year to girls in three local Catholic schools or to a                 seminary fund for future priests.

2) Check payable to:    ALS Network
P.O. Box 7082
WoodlandHills, CA 91365
or online at:        alsnetwork.org

A toast to Jim and his wonderful life: Slainte!