James William Rease

1954 - 2021

James William Rease
James Rease Cole
Resident of Walnut Creek
Jim died on December 20, 2021 doing what he loved best: LIVING. Actually he was taking out the recycling when he suffered a massive heart attack. As an environmentalist he was a responsible recycler, but Jim's passion was purely and simply, LIFE.
Jim was born to Doris and Willard Rease on April 6, 1954 in San Diego. His Navy test pilot father was tragically killed when Jim was a baby, leaving Doris with three small children: Roxanne, Michelle, and Jim. Doris married Howard Cole who brought daughter Pamela to the family. Jim gained another sister when Doris and Howard had Susie. The family lived in Walnut Creek and El Sobrante before settling in Concord where Dodie and Howard founded Cole's Interiors in 1969.
A 1972 graduate of Concord High School, Jim and friends Roger Epperson and Bob Doyle established the Botanical Society under the counsel of mentor Martin Shea. They raised environmental awareness starting a recycling program, hiking the hills of Contra Costa, and fundraising for save Mount Diablo with concerts of local bands.
Jim started working with his family at Cole's Interiors at age 15 and proved he had a creative gift at interior design. The business became Jim's in 1989 and flourished under his ownership. His many clients will miss his expert guidance and artful eye. He cared deeply for the wonderful relationships he built through his very personal approach.
In 1987 Jim married Melissa Meyers and they welcomed sons Zachary (1990) and Morgan (1993). Jim loved his family, who were fortunate enough to have many shared experiences including an awesome vacation in late summer and hosting Thanksgiving for the extended family. For those final memories the family is extremely grateful. He was so very proud of his sons and adored whom they chose as partners. He especially loved being "Jimpa" to his two granddaughters. Just a day before he passed he was asking how old they had to be before he could take them to Disneyland, something he was really looking forward to.
Jim found utmost joy in playing with his "guy friends" Roger, Bob, Ricky, Stephen, and Rod. There were regular trips in a rented RV to the car races at Leguna Seca, camping trips to Tahoe and the coast, and for over 20 years the annual trip to the Kona coast on Hawaii. All these adventures were enhanced by Jim's music play-list, challenging puns, childish pranks, potty humor, laughter and love. Of all his friends, Roger Epperson was truly his soul-mate and sidekick for 40 years. The two shared many interests including art, antiques, music, girls, vintage cars, and the great outdoors. Rogers' sudden passing in 2008 was a devastating blow to Jim from which he never fully recovered. We know they are together now.
Jim had an enormous love of music both as a fan and as a drummer in his classic rock buddy band The Repercussions, a legend in his own mind. He was a great concert wingman. Not only was he up for attending any concert suggestion on any given night (or weekend: he loved the Kate Wolf Festival), he would also offer to drive. He was perpetually stricken with FOMO (fear of missing out). It was also his habit to give a glowing review of any concert he attended, so appreciative he was of talent and dedication to the craft and art of music.
Positive and compassionate, Jim helped those in need and those whom others had given up on. He never said a discouraging word about anyone. Jim was just thoroughly a good, nice guy. When his mother was asked how she raised such a gem, she said "Jim was always just a good boy".
An almost surreal highlight in Jim's life was the opportunity and honor to be "ball-boy" for his favorite team the SF Giants, not once, but two times! He looked like a natural in black and orange at the ballpark.
A Kiwanis member for many years, Jim was active with the group and was the current president of the Walnut Creek club. He was very proud of his lifetime perfect attendance.
Jim is survived by his wife Missy, son Zachary (Dannon), son Morgan (Michaela), and by two beautiful granddaughters Andy and Kit. He is also survived by sisters Roxie, Shelly, and Pam, and many life long friends and extended family. He is predeceased by his half sister Susie.
Please consider contributing in Jim's memory to Save Mount Diablo or the East Bay Regional Park District where Jim loved hiking with friends.
Services are pending.



View the online memorial for James William Rease