By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

Many posts from those who knew James Dietenhofer said they will be raising a glass and toasting his memory as the news that the Figueroa Mountain Brewing founder passed away today, July 20, after a battle with cancer, according to his son and co-founder Jaime Dietenhofer. 

“James Dietenhofer was an amazing father, husband, grandfather, friend, coach, business partner, cheerleader, shoulder to cry on, fellow soldier and much much more. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends which was what he wanted. We were all beyond lucky to have had him in our lives and we will never fill the void left by such a great human being,” Jaime wrote on his Facebook page. 

The Dietenhofer’s have had much success in the brewing world as they have won many medals for their unique beer labels since starting their “micro-brew” in 2010. Their rapid growth now spans six tasting rooms along the central coast from Westlake Village to Arroyo Grande. 

Services for Dietenhofer will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos. There will be a reception to follow at the Buellton location of Fig Mtn Brew. The family has said no flowers, but if you feel like making a donation in Jim’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society they would be very appreciative. 

If anyone has any pictures or videos of Dietenhofer please send to dietenhofer@icloud.com

Those who wish to share a story with the Star as we will have a tribute story in our first August edition, email publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com