Lawrence James McPolin, known to family and friends as "Jim", passed away May 14, 2020, with his family by his side.  Jim lived his life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He is survived by his daughter Laurie (McPolin) Ottman, her husband Tom Ottman, son Michael McPolin, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Jim was born in 1930 in Los Angeles, California, to Lawrence and Irene McPolin.  He was their only child. He led a very interesting and colorful life.  When he was a young boy, his family moved from the El Sereno section of Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley.  When Jim was not in school, he spent his days roaming the hills of Sherman Oaks.  He and his friends could be found exploring on foot and on horseback, looking for adventures.

Jim had great pride in his Country and wanted to be a part of the War effort.  When he was 15, he left Canoga Park High School, where he excelled and lettered in gymnastics and joined the Merchant Marines.  It was discovered that he was underaged while at sea and was returned from China.  Upon his return from China, he continued his studies and graduated from Van Nuys High School.  Following graduation, he first joined the Navy and then the Coast Guard, due to his adventurous spirit and love of the sea.

In 1954, Jim met the love of his life, Joan Grace Robideaux.  They were married that same year, and would soon start a family.  Daughter Laurie was born in 1955, followed by son Michael in 1958.  In 1964 another daughter, Mary, was born but died shortly after birth.  Jim and Joan raised their family in the San Fernando Valley.

Jim joined the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1956.  His career spanned 25 years, where he held the ranks of Fireman, Inspector, Arson Investigator and retired as a Captain from Fire Station 1, located in the same El Sereno neighborhood he lived in as a child.  He was also in the Coast Guard Reserves while on the LAFD.  Upon retirement, Jim started his own Marine consulting company.  He was able to utilize his vast experience to teach and consult on many aspects of shipboard firefighting.

In 1982, wanting to be closer to their children and grandchildren, Jim and Joan moved to Bonsall, CA., where ranch life and growing avocados provided excitement and a new challenge to their retirement years.  Their life centered on their family, their home and the Catholic community at the Marine Memorial Chapel on Camp Pendleton, where they created long standing friendships that have showered them with great memories and incredible blessings.

Funeral Mass will be held on March 17, 2022, at 11:40 am, at the Marine Memorial Chapel on Camp Pendleton

Burial will be held on March 22, 2022, at 11:30 am, at the Miramar National Cemetery.  Attendees must arrive by 11:00 am.