Scottsdale, AZ - Jastrzab - Robert "Bob" James, 73, was welcomed by the Lord on July 15, 2025, and reunited with loved ones who had gone before him. He passed away peacefully at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, exactly where he wanted to be, surrounded by his family who were his world.

Bob or "Bobby J" as he was known in his youth, was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the youngest of four sons to John Martin Jastrzab and Eleanor Josephine (Gil) Jastrzab. He attended St. Casimir's Catholic School and graduated from Bishop McCort High School in 1969. After graduation, Bob worked at Johnstown's Bethlehem Steel Mill, one of the world's largest steel producers, working on the blast furnace. Simultaneously, he studied at the University of Pittsburgh.

In 1971, Bobby was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served in the First Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War. He worked in an assault helicopter unit, earning several medals of service for his bravery and dedication. Bob proudly served his country and his service in Vietnam had a profound impact on him.

In April of 1972, while at Johnstown's Pyramids Restaurant and Lounge, Bob met the love of his life, Regina (George). What started as a chance encounter, blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Bob and Regina married September 7, 1975, and would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this September. In 1978, with their firstborn daughter Korey in tow and another baby, Lindsey, on the way, Bob left his hometown behind and moved his young family to Scottsdale, Arizona. Bob's goal was simple: to create a better life for his children, filled with opportunities, education, and endless possibilities.

With a family to provide for, Bob embarked on a long and successful career in real estate. Bob spent most of his career in residential, commercial, and land sales with Realty Executives. Here he made friends-for-life whom he loved and considered family. His work ethic, professionalism, and integrity earned him many accolades, but it was his ability to build meaningful relationships that truly set him apart. Bob didn't just work with people, he connected with them. He was a man of his word and trustworthy, fiercely loyal and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Always a risk-taker and out-of-the-box thinker, Bob used his real estate knowledge and expertise to pivot when the economy shifted. He started a tax consulting business, and with more work than one person could manage alone, Bob took his youngest daughter, Jessica, under his wing—teaching her the business and eventually passing the reins to her. Marveling at Jessica taking the lead was, without a doubt, one of the things Bob was most proud of in his life.

When Bob reflected on his life, he often spoke fondly of growing up in Johnstown with his brothers and buddies, sharing memories of baseball, hunting trips and fishing adventures. Later in life, he enjoyed gold-panning and relished traveling to places he never dreamed he'd see. Bob also found great joy in coaching many of his daughters' sports teams and was always their biggest fan—whether at youth league games or traveling out of state to watch Lindsey compete. Seeing Lindsey earn a Division I volleyball scholarship, and later an MVP award, was a dream realized. He celebrated every step of her journey with unwavering pride.

To Bob, family was everything. His family was his single greatest accomplishment, his primary purpose in life, as well as his source of pride and joy. Anyone who knew Bob would tell you he lit up when talking about his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He often shared that it was the birth of his first daughter, Korey, that motivated him to leave his hometown in search of a brighter future. That move laid the foundation for the successful life he and Regina built for their daughters. Bob took special pride in Korey's educational achievements and was amused that she inherited his business acumen. Bob was deeply proud of the family he and Regina grew, and he was equally proud of his daughters as well as his wonderful sons-in-law, Dane and Mike, whom he cherished as part of his family.

Bob was a lifelong lover of music, and his family will remember him whistling, singing in the shower, or tapping his fingers on the steering wheel to the rhythm of the beat. All who knew Bob will remember his infectious sense of humor and memorable grin. He was generous to a fault, humble, had great faith, and a welcoming nature that made him a friend to all. He'll be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege to know and love him.

Bob is preceded in death by his father, John; mother, Eleanor; and brothers, John/Yush and Larry (Judy). He is survived by his beloved wife, Regina; daughters, Korey Beck (Dane), Lindsey Bollen, and Jessica DeSanti (Michael); and the apples of his eye, his six grandchildren: Ryder Grey (10) and Ella Anne DeSanti (9); Lucy Anne (10), Cade James (8) and Ava Margaret Bollen (6) — who considered "Grandpa" to be their dad — and Grant Robert Beck (3); as well as his brother, Raymond (Berta); sister-in-law, Judy and many adored nieces and nephews.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Bob's brother Ray, the health care providers, caregivers, emergency responders, and the hospice team for their unwavering support. Bob fought so hard to stay with his family. Along with all the care he received, coupled with the unwavering love and support of his greatest caregiver — his loving and devoted wife — he lived longer.

A Memorial Service honoring Bob's life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 28, 2025, at Desert Foothills Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, located at 29305 N. Scottsdale Road. Bob will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with his family at Paradise Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bob's memory be made to The Salvation Army whose mission is one Bob believed in and supported. Donations in Bob's memory can be made at:

https://give-sw.salvationarmy.org/give/523288/#!/donation/checkout