James Allen Long 1950-2025 ….

James Allen Long 1950-2025

James “Jim” Allen Long passed away on June 5, 2025. He was born in Santa Paula, California, on April 30, 1950, to Jesse Long and Marjorie Newman. He grew up with his sister Mary Long.

At an early age, Jim showed a love of music, taking piano lessons and teaching himself the drums and guitars while working at Morey’s Music Store. He learned much of his talent by repairing musical instruments.

Jim worked for 30 years at CSULB, where he was an instrument repair technician. He also taught a two-year guitar making class at Orange Coast College for many years. Jim was a talented machinist and served as the president of the Machinist Club in Long Beach/Lakewood for three years. He was a true artist with metal and wood working.

He wrote, played and recorded songs. In 2001, Jim married his dear wife, Mary Ann Llanes, who began as his musical partner in entertaining many clubs and events. The two moved to Leisure World in 2017, and Mary Ann became ill and passed in 2018. Jim joined Terry Otte’s band, Abilene, in 2017, where he used his many talents as a musician and sound engineer. He also met Tom Davis, president of the Rollin’ Thunder, and became an integral part of the club as a hardworking repairman.

Jim is survived by his loving partner, Jackie Hildebrant, sister Mary Long and husband Dan, children Heather Norris and husband Leonard Norris Jr., Misty Velsco, George Llanes and wife Tanya Llanes, nieces Shawna and Megan, grandchildren Kaitlyn, Keith J. Michael, Evangelina, David (Jason), George, Luna and Aiden, great-grandchild Kristen and many friends.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held Saturday, Aug. 23, in Clubhouse 2 at 1 p.m.