James Jefferson Waterbury

Born to Dorothy Rae Johnson and James Abram Waterbury in Bakersfield. He was a proud graduate of Christian Brothers High School and Stanford University. After university, he enrolled in the Navy, and attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida. An early pioneer in computing, he went to work for RCA after his Navy service. The family lived in Heidelberg, Germany for 3 years thanks to his job with RCA. Though started by his mother, Jay continued the established friendships with families in both Mexico and Colombia that created a multigenerational extended family that continues to this day. He loved working in his woodshop that he created in the garage and was always tinkering at the computer.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Mary C. Waterbury and brother Earl. He is survived by his wife Suzie, son Chris, and daughter Julie Steiger (Jim), as well as grandchildren Lea Waterbury, Ashlee Waterbury, and Owen Steiger. He is also survived by siblings Marie Lawson, Chester, Thad, and Joan Murphy.

Interment was in San Luis Obispo, next to Mary, with a memorial mass to be held at St. Anthony Parish, 660 Florin Rd, Sacramento, on May 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Mary C. Waterbury Endowed Scholarship Fund at Christian Brothers High School, Sacramento or a charity of your choice.