James Edwin Sleight

It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my husband, James Edwin Sleight, known to all as Jim, who left us on October 2, 2024, at the age of 81 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was a man of immense humor and wisdom and cherished every moment he spent with his loved ones. Jim is preceded in death by his son, James Warren Sleight. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Sleight; his children, Stacy Sleight Sauls, Art Carrillo, and Jason Sleight; his grandchildren, Layne and Levi Sleight; Lorelei, Shae, and Everly Carrillo; Bryan and Emily Sauls; his great-granddaughter, Evelyn James Sauls; his Sister, Patricia Snead; his Aunt, Margret Spangler: his daughters-in-law, Jennifer Carrillo & Sara Thompson. Jim was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 25, 1942, to Hazel and Henry Sleight. In 1959, he joined the United States Navy and was transferred to San Diego, CA where he served 4 years as an E-3 Seaman. After leaving the US Navy, Jim remained in San Diego where he made it the permanent home for his family. Jim worked in the construction industry after his Navy service and became a licensed general contractor building residential homes for over 47 years. On November 16, 1975, he married Dorothy Redd, the love of his life for the last 49 years. Jim was a generous man who always found time for others, and the first to lend a hand to anyone who might need it. He loved spending time with his family and friends, but he also had a passion for playing Texas Hold’em poker and Bass Fishing. He enjoyed bass fishing locally and professionally and would travel to compete with some of the best fishermen in the US. For over 34 years, Jim conducted bass fishing events in and around the San Diego region most frequently at Lakes San Vicente, El Capitan, Lake Otay, and Lake Hodges. The El Cajon Ford Day & Night Series events will forever be his legacy amongst local fishermen. Jim’s passion for bass fishing and his unwavering loyalty to the sport, and all it is to the community, will forever be remembered by enthusiasts when the City of San Diego declared June 9, 2024, as “Jim Sleight Day” at the Lakes of San Diego. A man of slight stature, his impact on the fishing community, his family, and this world were Giant. Fishing and playing poker were his passions, his love for his family, especially his grandkids, was what made “Papa” the happiest. Jim was a generous man always giving of his time to others whether it was collecting and donating food and supplies to the Crisis House or running tournaments for underprivileged kids, Jim was always first to lend a hand to those in need. He will be sorely missed for his great spirit, incredible smile, wonderful stories, and the fond memories he left us. There will be a celebration of life on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM Lakeside Rodeo Banquet Hall 12584 Mapleview St., Lakeside, CA 92040 Food will be served by the Barbecue Pit. Please RSVP By Email: jimsleightcelebrationoflife@gmail.com For those whom won't be able to Join you can attend the Celebration of Life via Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6152772275?pwd=UjBXVDZRaWQ2c29KUDJqN09xM3FjQT09&omn=81075376311 Meeting ID: 615 277 2275 Passcode: 7SuEMP

James Edwin Sleight

November 25, 1942 - October 2, 2024