James Brega

James “Jim” Ralph Brega, 74, of San Diego, California, died on June 23, 2025, at La Vida Real in Rancho San Diego, CA. He is survived by his spouse, John Castell; brothers, Dana and John; and was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Laura Brega, and sister Rebecca.

Born on February 16, 1951, to the late Mike and Laura Brega in Pasadena, CA, he attended Mount Miguel High School in Spring Valley. He received his Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and a Master’s degree in Set and Costume Design from the University of Illinois.

His first career was as a costume designer at “The Studio” in the West Village of New York City, where he worked with celebrity clients including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Carol Channing, and the New York Metropolitan Opera. In 1981,
he learned to use computers at Pratt Institute and transitioned to a second career as Director of Client Statements at Merrill Lynch, where he worked for 25 years. In retirement, he devoted himself to creative writing, publishing numerous essays and stories in literary journals. He compiled his works into a collection, "What I Say Instead of Nothing," published in 2021 and available on Amazon.com.

Jim shared 25 wonderful years with his husband, John Castell. They met in New Jersey in 2000 on the dating site [email protected]. After living in Vernon, Plainfield, Ringoes, and Lambertville, NJ, they moved to San Diego in 2008 and were married there in 2013.

After a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2012, Jim faced the illness with courage and determination, guided by his movement disorder neurologist. He joined Rock Steady Boxing and loved yoga, cycling, singing, gardening, travel to Big Sur, camping, opera, country line dancing, and time with family.

Jim was also an active volunteer, serving as Assistant Director with The Inner City Dance Ensemble of Paterson, NJ. In later years, he was involved with the TrembleClefs.com organization, promoting fellowship and vocal strengthening for people living with Parkinson’s, and with The San Diego LGBT Community Center, teaching creative writing.

Highly intelligent and thoughtful, Jim was a kind and generous soul with a loving spirit toward personal growth and learning. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to parkinsonsassociation.org
or trembleclefs.com.