James (Mags) Magdaleno

Resident of Hercules

 Charismatic, Loving, and Wise, our

beloved “Mags” passed away after a

sudden illness, in Grants Pass, OR. while visiting family,

on November 30, 2008 at the age of 53. 

Jim was born Aug. 15, 1955 to Emil and Juanita Magdaleno in Oakland, CA.  He was raised in Richmond, attended Ford Elementary, Downer Jr. High, and Salesian High School for 2 years.  He graduated from Richmond High School in 1973.

Jim began his long, prestigious career in law enforcement and security by volunteering as a San Pablo Police Department reserve officer in 1976.  Even at the young age of 21, he established himself as a “dependable asset to the department”.  While working in the retail security field, Jim graduated from the Basic Police Academy at the Northern Calif. Criminal Justice Training Center in Santa Rosa, where his classmates nominated him for the “CPOA Leadership” award.  He was hired as a full sworn San Pablo Police Dept. officer, badge #51, in 1983, and served until 1987, excelling in investigations and polygraph examinations, and earning accolades and awards from the department and community alike.  Upon resigning from the SPPD due to an injury sustained in the line of duty, Jim begun his long foray into corporate security and protection fields.  He worked as a security executive for the Chevron Corporation from 1987 until 2000.  During this time, Jim became a partner and  president in the investigator vocational training school known as the Center for Professional Investigations (CPIT).  It was here that Jim motivated and mentored countless students, and built a reputation as an inspired teacher, consummate professional, and talented private investigator.  In addition to his academy training, Jim also graduated from Western College of Criminology in Torrance, CA; Executive Security International in Aspen, CO; and received his teaching credential from U.C. Berkeley. Jim was the author of “The Protection Agent in the Corporate World”, currently in use as a text book at a prominent executive protection training school.  He was a member of various investigative, security and fraud associations, including the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI).

While his professional accomplishments were numerous and exemplary, “Mags” will most be remembered as a true friend – generous, supportive, loving and compassionate to the end.  He was beloved by family and friends alike for his strength, integrity, zest for life, wisdom, and of course, humor.  Those who deeply mourn his loss include his mother, Juanita Rosales Magdaleno, his sister, Kathy (Scott) Hover, his nephew, Richard Simmons, and his uncle, Frank Rosales of Grants Pass, OR; his nephew, Sgt. Frank Simmons of Camp Pendleton, CA; his daughter, Lisa Chilton, and grandson, Dominic, of Pinole, CA; his cousin, Alex (Raquel) Reyes of San Francisco, CA; his aunt, Lupe Ortega of Tracy, CA; and his loving partner, Maria Dominguez of Hercules, CA.  In addition to his relatives, Mags will be greatly missed by his “brothers” in the San Pablo Police Dept., Kenny Bays and Mike VonMillanich; his CPIT family, Pat Lasola, Tammy Davidson, Marci Grant, and Gina Rognilen; all of his “Cabin” family in Clearlake, CA; and his innumerous friends in the Bay Area and beyond.  Jim was one of a kind, and his imprint on our world will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him. 

A “Celebration of Jim’s Life” memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 2 p.m. in Maple Hall at the San Pablo City Hall, 13831 San Pablo Ave, San Pablo, CA.