James “Jim” Guercio touched many in his 96 years on earth, and while that may seem like a long time, his passing has left a void in the lives and hearts of those of us who loved him, and knew that he loved us.
The greatest love of his life was his wife Helen, who he adored for 72 years of marriage, it is hard for those of us left behind to even imagine one of them without the other.
To his wife Helen, he was “Jimmy” to his children he was simply “Dad” and to his grandchildren he was “Papa” or “Papa Mouse”.
He leaves a legacy behind to all of us of integrity, honesty, hard work and a motto of “do the right thing”.
Jim was known by family members and workers for his many sayings, the most memorable ones being “Service with a Smile”, “If you have time to lean you have time to Clean” and the secret to a long and happy marriage “Treat your spouse how you want to be treated”.
Jim’s parents Frank and Carmella came to the United States from Italy and Jim was always proud to have been born in America.
His early childhood was spent in San Francisco where at the early age of 6 years old he sold newspapers and shined shoes on a corner, while his older brothers, stationed on other corners looked out for him.
Jim was a great and humorous story teller and often gathered around the dining table he would tell stories of growing up with three brothers and four sisters, all of whom we are sure were waiting in heaven to greet him.
Jim served in the Navy and was honorably discharged, and his navy stories were his best stories.
Jim and Helen settled in Winnemucca in January 1960, where Jim opened Jim’s Chevron next to the Sonoma Inn (now the Winners Inn).
He was on the Fair and Recreation Board, a member of the Elks and a member of the Winnemucca Chiefs for many years.
He employed numerous high school students during his 62 years in business, many who have said they learned skills from him that help them become the successes they are today.
Jim is survived and loved by his daughter Julie and her husband Dave Dins, his daughter Mitzi Mills, his son James “Dewey” and his wife Cindy Guercio and his grandchildren, Devin Dins, Jennifer Leal, Travis Dins, Michael Mills, Darrell Mills, Anthony Guercio and Jeremy Guercio and his great grandchildren, Ryan Dins, Teya Shaw, McKenzie Maddox, Nicholas, Nicholas Maddox, Hailey Marrero, Hudson Dins, Gavin Dins, Natalie Mills, Carolyn Mills, Logan Ambler, Mason Mills and Holly Mills and great great grandchildren Kaden Dins, Mason Shaw and Noah Shaw.
Jim was proceeded in death by his son Randy, his parents Frank and Carmella, his son-law Paul Mills, his parents Frank and Carmella and his siblings, Paul, Victor, John, Mary, Margaret, Julie and Jenny.
“It’s your time to go now, haul away your anchor, it’s your sailing time” (from Sailors Farewell Hymn)
