James Albert Rose

James A. Rose, 87, passed away on August 3, 2026 following a short spell of at-home hospice care. He is survived by his wife Elin Rose, children Heather Rose Redmon, DVM (Don), Brian Rose (Joyce), and granddaughters Katrina Redmon, JD, Kaia Redmon, Krista Redmon Heizer (David), and Janae Rose.

Jim was born in Hawthorne, CA on July 26, 1939 to James Howard Rose and Edna Rea Slatter Rose and grew up in the Los Angeles area. He attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he met his wife Elin. They were married on August 7, 1965 and lived in Redondo Beach and Torrance, CA.

He graduated from Los Angeles Trade Tech and received his Electronic Engineer degree from Pacific States University in Los Angeles. Jim served in the California Army National Guard. He worked at Korad Laser Corporation where he helped develop a laser guidance system used on the F-4 during the Vietnam War. At Swanson Engineering, he developed controls for mining equipment. In California, he worked at Garrett AiResearch. When the company transferred to Tucson in 1984, it became Allied Signal and then Honeywell. He designed electronics for aircraft and the space shuttle. Jim also worked on the space program at Aerojet in California. His work at Otis Elevator included designing the emergency lighting system.

Jim enjoyed prospecting, photography, his VW bug and bus, country music, bola ties, studying the Constitution, attending the annual Celtic Festival and Nordic Fair, and doing things with the family. He was an assistant Scout Master with Boy Scout Troop 211. He was proud to be a member of the Oro Valley American Legion Post 132.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hermitage No Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary, 5278 E. 21st St., Tucson AZ 85711.

A celebration of life will be on Tuesday, September 1st 11 a.m., Adair Avalon Chapel.