Fourth-generation Malibu native James Neil Denson, Jr. —husband, father, son, brother and friend — lost his fight with cancer on Aug. 14. Denson is survived by his two children: daughter Maiya, 11, and son James, eight, “who were the apple of his eye and why he fought so intensely,” a loved one said. He is also survived by his wife, Mandy; his dad, James, Sr.; his mom, Colleen; his sister, Janeen; and his brother, Jaron.
Denson spent a lot of time in the ocean and the outdoors. He went fishing, surfing, diving and hunting.
“James was a hard worker and gave it all he had, no matter what he did,” a loved one shared. “He had a kind and generous spirit, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. James had a big heart. His sense of humor and story telling ability always brought laughter and smiles to those around him. James believed ‘life was all about experiences,’ and he lived his life to the fullest.”
A memorial will take place Saturday, Aug. 29 at 1 p.m. at his family’s home on Point Dume. Remembrances by family and friends will be shared at 1:30 p.m.
There will also be a paddle-out on Saturday at 10 a.m., before the memorial, at Zuma Beach Tower 12.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to his children’s college funds at Bright Start, Memo Maiya Denson and Bright Start, Memo James Denson III, Stifel Nicolaus, 999 Monterey St., Suite 360, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.