Mr. Agius attended St. Vincent de Paul schools, and went on to serve his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific Theatre.
He and his wife, Estelle "Topsy," along with his brother, Frank, and sister-in-law, "Chick," owned and operated Agius Bar & Grocery for 38 years. A cigar box was the original cash register and regular customers made the small store the social center of the Wilmar district for decades.
Mr. Agius also helped found the Wilmar Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as the department's fire chief.
After his retirement, Mr. Agius was a fixture at his son's store, Petaluma Market, where he was known as "The Boss," wielding his feather duster while enjoying greeting and visiting with customers every morning.
He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul parish and a longtime member of the Nicasio Parlor No. 183 Native Sons of the Golden West.
Mr. Agius is survived by his wife of 64 years, Estelle M. "Topsy" Agius of Petaluma; children, James L. Agius Jr. of Santa Rosa and Cynthia Agius Reynolds of Petaluma; siblings, Tom Agius and Ruth Agius, both of Petaluma; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Angela Agius, John Agius, Joseph Agius, Angelo Agius Jr., Marguerite Agius, Mary Barnes and Frank Agius.
Family and friends are also invited to meet on Wednesday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. at the mortuary, then head together to St. Vincent de Paul Church where a funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m.
The family prefers memorials be made to Hospice of Petaluma, Petaluma Valley Hospital Foundation or to St. Vincent de Paul Church.
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