Jim Geller

Dec 16, 1956 - August 17, 2026

It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of James Michael Geller. Jim passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Just as he approached every challenge, Jim battled cancer bravely and courageously. He maintained his sense of humor and enjoyed the love and companionship of his family and friends, to the very end.

Jim's memory lives on through his wife, Martha Ferro Geller, his daughter Alexandra and son Benjamin, as well as a large and loving extended family. He was especially beloved by his many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in New Bedford, Mass and soon after his birth, his family moved to San Francisco in support of his father's assignment as a US Navy attorney, stationed at Treasure Island. Despite his Massachusetts roots, Jim Geller considered himself a Californian through and through.

Jim spent many summers at Kennolyn Camp and winters in Hawaii, and attended high school at Dunn School in Los Olivos, CA. In these early years, he forged life-long friendships and developed his love of surfing, ceramics and lacrosse. He was a curious and adventurous young man, interested in the world beyond his horizon, and it was during this time at Dunn that he also developed a fascination with Japan and its culture.

He attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, studied in Japan and the Monterrey Institute of International Studies, where he obtained an International MBA. While in Japan, he was assigned to Tamba, a small village in the countryside where he went from eating bologna sandwiches to trying fish, developing a life-long and deep passion for good food.

In 1988, he founded Geller International with the sole purpose of importing and exporting fine food. For decades, he traveled all over Asia, brought Wagyu to the US and worked with some of the most respected Chefs in the world. For Jim, Geller International was a great source of pride and joy.

Jim loved his work but always made time for family and friends. As an early riser, you could find him every morning, drinking his coffee, reading the San Francisco Chronicle, and preparing lunches for the kids.

Sunday mornings were reserved for surfing, diving and eventually golf (and 49er games). His wife Martha used to say that "if my children were born on a Sunday, I would be having them on my own". In actuality, Jim was ever-present in the lives of his son and daughter, he was an incredibly loving and devoted father. He was everything: a teacher, a joker, a friend, a chef, a coach and a steady, guiding hand as his children grew.

Jim was happiest when surrounded by his family and his friends. His home in Paso Robles, CA provided a calm retreat and allowed him to disconnect and deepen his love of pottery, cooking, winemaking, and golf.

He was a fun storyteller who entertained everyone with stories of his past escapades. Jim was easy to love, quick to laugh, and always willing to open his arms and welcome everyone to his table

Jim's true love was his wife Martha, whom he was married for 43 years, and his pride and joy were his children, Ale and Ben. He lived a full life of experiences and accomplishments, built strong relationships and surrounded himself with people he cherished.

We hope you can join us for the celebration of Jim's life.

The funeral service will be held at Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame on Thursday, August 20 at 11:00 am. If you are unable to attend in person, we invite you to participate by viewing the service via livestream . Please be sure to register in advance.

The burial will follow the service at Home of Peace, 1299 El Camino Real, Colma. The Geller Family welcomes visitors at home Thursday from 2:00pm-4:00pm, Shiva Minyan at 5:30pm.

The family wishes to honor Jim by ensuring his impact is felt for generations to come on causes close to his heart. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: