Well, we know you have all been wondering what’s going on at the James Gang. So, here we are with the news on the new gang at the James Gang. The James Gang has been in Ocean Beach since 1976. The James brothers were instrumental in starting such OB staples as the Christmas Parade, the Fourth of July Community Fireworks Show and the OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off. They were a driving force in Ocean Beach in the 1970s, 1980s and even into the new millennium. Over the years, brother after brother left to pursue other ventures, leaving brothers Rich, Pat and Pat’s new bride, Susan, to run things. With the loss of Rich in 2008, that left Pat and Susan. Over the last few years, they have been looking at the possibility of exploring new opportunities, a slower pace or maybe even semi-retirement. So, at the end of March, they were presented with an offer that included keeping the James Gang name and the involvement of two longtime friends and employees. Hence begins the story of the NEW gang at the James Gang. The new owners are all Obecians: Bryan Bennett has lived in OB since 1991. He works for Qualcomm and has been there for 15 years. Jim and Elizabeth Berdeguez are new to the area. Jim retired in 2010 as a Navy captain, serving for 25 years. He decided that the San Diego area was where he and Elizabeth wanted to settle. They fell in love with OB and decided to make their home here. They have been Obecians since 2010 but have quickly adapted! Now, these two guys would do just fine all by themselves, but they chose to partner with longtime James Gang employees Paul Bearce and his wife, Leigh Ann. Paul and Leigh Ann have been fixtures in OB since 1986. Paul has been at the James Gang for 18 years as the offset pressman. Leigh Ann has worked on and off at James Gang for some of those 18 years, but most recently, she has been and will continue to be, the coordinator of Loaves & Fishes — our local food bank. These partners formed an alliance to purchase the James Gang while attending their weekly Life Group at First Baptist Church of Ocean Beach. They are committed to God, each other and the community. Continuing and building the longstanding community involvement and heritage the James Gang has enjoyed in Ocean Beach since 1976.
