James Norman Screeton Jr.'s Obituary
James Norman Screeton, Jr. was born in San Francisco March 4, 1965 to Marietta Nichols and James Screeton, Sr., passing away on March 17, 2023. Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother Marietta, father James, and daughter Adrianna. He is survived by wife Melinda Screeton, son Anthony, daughters Alyssa, Jenna, and Kayle, Grand Daughter Siena, father Ken Nichols, brothers Chad, Cody, and Charlie, and sister Sunnie.
He was affectionately called Jimmy “Goodtime” by his friends for his charisma, adventurous spirit, big smile and boisterous laugh that would light up any room. He saw the good in everyone is remembered not just for his love and care of family and friends, but for warmly connecting with and welcoming strangers into his heart.
Jimmy was an All-Star baseball player, winning BMX bike racer, and Cub Scout in his youth. He would add football to his resume in high school playing middle linebacker for Carlmont High in Belmont, CA. He absolutely loved the competition of sports and was an avid 49ers, Steelers, Giants, and A’s fan. However, without question, Jimmy’s true sports love was auto racing. He spent his childhood traveling to races with his Hall of Fame Car Owner Grandfather Art Shanoian, Hall of Fame Driver Father Ken Nichols, and mother throughout the West Coast and Midwest in the 60’s and 70’s. There was no place Jimmy was happier than at the racetrack among his family and friends.
In 1983, Jimmy himself began his own racing career driving for his Grandfather in his famous orange #17, winning Rookie of the Year in 1983. He would go on to win over 20 races in Northern California piloting for some of the most famous car owners on the West Coast. Known for his aggressive but smooth driving style he and his father Ken were the winningest pavement midget drivers on the West Coast through the late 80’s and early 90’s. In 2013 Jimmy was honored as a Bay Cities Racing Association Hall of Fame Inductee. He would later be immensely proud to represent his mother Marietta as she was posthumously inducted to the Hall and would stand aside his brother Chad for his inclusion in 2023. Jimmy continued the family tradition as owner and coach for his daughter Jenna’s quarter midget venture. Together with their family they enjoyed the travels and competition, sharing in his great passion for motorsports, and capturing numerous wins over the past three years.
Jimmy graduated from San Francisco State University and used his endearing and energetic personality toward a career in wholesale sales and title insurance, as well as toward entrepreneurial ventures most recently as Principal of Dawg House Catering.
Jimmy leaves a legacy of living to the fullest. Some of his favorite pastimes were enjoying going for an evening ride to a great prime rib meal with his wife Melinda, “going on a put” on the weekend with his friends, watching horror movies and camping with his kids, or just watching sports. He loved children and animals, and they loved him. His genuine and kind spirit was infectious to kids and he would spend hours swimming with them in the pool, letting them paint his nails, taking them camping, and just being a great friend.
Jimmy “Goodtime” passed at the age of 58, his high school football number, on March 17, the number of his grandfather’s and daughters race cars and same as his February wedding anniversary date.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?