Jean James Bicais

September 8, 1925 - May 24, 2014

Jean James Bicais died peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2014, holding his wife Mary’s hand and surrounded by their loving family. Jean was a native Californian, born on Sept. 8, 1925, in San Francisco to his mother, Caroline Oldham Bicais, and father Jean T. Bicais. He spent his youth delivering newspapers, running around the hills of the city, and swimming in the bay. His favorite childhood story about Fleishhacker Pool was when he jumped off the highest diving platform because the line of kids on the ladder behind him meant there was no other way down. It was a perfect metaphor for his life, because Jean continued to jump into new opportunities, be it a business idea or a personal adventure. Jean proudly served his country by enlisting in the Marine Corps during World War II. Upon his return to San Francisco at war’s end, Jean met the love of his life, Mary Hook. It was a serendipitous meeting on the Third Street Muni bus, which was the prelude to the story of their life as a married couple for 67 years. They were blessed with four children during the years to come. Jean began his optical career at American Optical. He then became an optician with Jenkyl and Davidson Optical Company for whom he worked 22 years culminating with his position as branch manager of the office near Union Square. In 1971, Jean and Mary opened Bicais Optical in Napa, which they operated until their retirement in 1986. They were members of Silverado Country Club and enjoyed golfing and traveling. Jean is survived by his wife, Mary; sister Marie Barsocchini; daughters Carolyn Sweyd, Barbara Foskett, and Jeanette Bicais (Gordon Stout); son Jim Bicais (Susan Bicais); and nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Please join us in celebrating Jean’s life at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at Claffey and Rota Funeral Home, 1975 Main St., Napa. Private interment at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.