Paul James Gifford, 66, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, July 3, 2026. Born in Minneapolis, MN on September 22, 1959, to James and Marian Gifford, the family soon settled in Los Gatos, CA and Paul always considered himself a “native Californian.” He attended Los Gatos schools, graduating from Los Gatos High School in 1977. He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in June 1981. His accounting career began with Deloitte in Los Angeles, before moving to Peat Marwick Los Angeles. It was in Santa Monica, on a Papermate pen inventory, that he met his future wife, Jenny (Jennifer). He said it was love at first sight because they dressed alike before even meeting or talking! He pursued her for 3 months until she relented to go for an after-work drink. 16 months later, on May 11, 1985, they married in Jenny’s hometown of Danville, CA after transferring to the Peat Marwick San Jose office where they continued their accounting careers. Settling in Los Gatos, they expanded their family with Matt in 1989 and Andy in 1992. Through hard work and perseverance Paul achieved his career goal of Partner, KPMG in June 1994. He later left the firm to join Siebel Systems as their controller; eventually rising to Sr. Vice President, Finance. He served in that role until his retirement on May 31, 2006.

He loved being in nature and outdoors. He was a long-distance runner, frequently heading out on a half marathon weekend run. He loved skiing and the rush from gliding down a hill. He joined the Boy Scouts as a kid, so he could go camping without his parents. Soon, he and another 13-year-old would go into the Sierras and backpack for weeks alone. He lost part of his knuckles from practicing ice arrests. He survived an avalanche in high school with friends and didn’t lose any toes! He loved backpacking and cross-country skiing in the Sierras and Yosemite with friends, enjoying the solitude and raw beauty. In 1992, he summited Mt. Shasta without the help of a guide.

Most of all, Paul enjoyed people. He wanted to know their stories and did not hesitate to strike up conversations with strangers. Some of those strangers became longtime friends. He loved a good 3-hour lunch with family and friends, frequently befriending the waiters, hosts, managers, and owners at his favorite spots. While not a fan of team sports, he attended his sons’ sports activities; loving the camaraderie of the cheering crowds.

Paul gave freely of his time, sharing his passions and experiences. He was quietly generous helping families purchase their first homes, aiding those experiencing financial difficulties, and purchasing equipment for food banks. He only saw how he could help others rise above their circumstances. He never sought praise, just to help others.

Paul is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jenny, his sons, Matt (Kaelee), and Andy; and his beloved granddaughter, Sadie. He is also survived by his brother, John and family, and his in-laws Nancy Holleman, Linda and Don Draper, and John Holleman. There are nieces, nephews and countless cousins who will also miss Paul. Paul was preceded by his parents, Jim and Mary Gifford, and his father-in-law, (Big) John Holleman.

Services will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 11:00 am PT at Calvary Church Los Gatos, 16330 Los Gatos Blvd. Reception to follow. Please indicate attendance by emailing: tallpaulmemorial@gmail.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cityteam Ministries: www.cityteam.org or a charity of your choice.