James Alviso

James “Jumbo” Alviso died Feb. 2. He was 67.

Alviso was born May 27, 1948 to Albert and Henrietta (Rochin) Alviso. He was raised in Livermore and was a standout athlete in the first graduating class of 1966 at Granada High School. At Granada he was the first string quarterback and he played basketball. His true passion and talent was playing baseball, as a pitcher was notorious for throwing “heat.” He was drafted in 1968 by the Phillies in the third round, being the 50th pick in the draft. He played and traveled with his wife Joan Alviso and their newborn daughter Jenet Alviso through 1969. He finished his professional baseball career in the big leagues in spring training with the Giants organization in 1970. Alviso continued playing semi-pro baseball for Galleghar’s out of Oakland and Fontinettis out of San Jose well into his 40s. He was known as the go-to pitching “closer” against the top college off-season teams at the State Championships in Arcata, California.

Alviso graduated with associate degrees from Chabot Junior College in realty and art. He went on to work at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for more than 20 years, starting as a draftsman and then project coordinating across facilities. He would religiously follow his work days with volunteer coaching for Granada baseball, football and basketball from 1975 to 1993. He lived and breathed the black and gold at Granada. He provided opportunities for the youth in Livermore, tirelessly seeking donations, giving kids the opportunity to play on the Pirates traveling baseball team so they could compete with the elite across the Bay Area and the state. After coaching at Granada he went on as a scout for the Phillies and Rockies and with true joy traveled to watch his sons Jason Alviso (UNLV) and Jerome Alviso (Fullerton) play Division I baseball, after having coached them both at Granada High School.

With his devoted wife by his side, Alviso enjoyed traveling with his extensive family and friends, including his mother Henrietta “La La” Alviso and mother-in-law Gertrude “Ricky” Canan (both since deceased), to see his son (Jerome) play professional baseball for the Rockies.

Alviso enjoyed many special days and family gatherings with his wife, Joan, and daughter, Jenet, and with pride he watched his eight grandkids grow up, including his son Jason (Treva) Alviso’s children Michael, Jacob, Sarah and Rebekah and his son Jerome (Barbie) Alviso’s children Chance, Savannah, Titas and Macy. He was a loving brother to Bob (Shari) Alviso, Lisa Alviso and Trina (John) Gleese and brother-in-law to Charles (Karole) Roth, Connie (Bill) Duterte, Lorrilynn (Shelby) Connelly and Jennifer (Gary) Mazzurco.

A rosary was recently held at Callaghan’s Mortuary along with a mass at St. Michael’s Church.

Memorial donations in Alviso’s name can be made to East Bay SportStars, 7073 Commerce Circle, Pleasanton, California, 94588, a non-profit organization that allows kids in the Livermore and Tri-Valley the opportunity to showcase their talents in places they may not otherwise have access to.