James Reynold Correa

James "Jim" Reynold Correa, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away suddenly on January 21, 2025 at age 75. His family, friends and colleagues will cherish their memories of his care and love for others knowing that he was a grand example of a man "finishing well to the glory of God."

Jim was born May 28, 1949 to Reynold and Geneva Correa in Hayward, CA. He graduated from Hayward High School in 1967. Jim attended University of California, Davis receiving a degree in geology in 1971 and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. Following vet school, Jim began working at Atwater Merced Veterinary Clinic and in 1986 he opened his own large animal practice. He served beef and dairy clients in Merced County for over four decades.

Jim met Marcella "Marcie" Riley in 1982 and following a short courtship they were married March 27, 1983. Jim and Marcie were married for over 40 years and together they enjoyed raising their two sons Matt and Brad. As a devoted father Jim spent many hours practicing and coaching baseball and soccer with his sons. He was a beloved Papa to his four precious grandchildren.

Jim had a sincere love for outdoor adventure and spent countless hours on beautiful streams casting his fly rod. He experienced immense pleasure from his many adventurous hiking, biking and camping outings with family and friends. Jim and Marcie loved to travel and enjoyed numerous trips throughout the U.S. and abroad.

As a lifelong admirer of wild places and a self-proclaimed fish nerd, Jim had a deep connection to environmental conservation. He was an active member and past president of Merced Fly Fishers and a volunteer with UC Davis Watershed Sciences, CA Department of Fish and Wildlife and the National Park Service. He was currently serving as president of Central Sierra Trout Unlimited and on the board of directors for Katmai Conservancy, Katmai National Park and Preserve.

Jim was a longtime active member of Central Presbyterian Church (CPC) where he served as a Sunday school teacher, elder and kitchen assistant. For more than 20 years he accompanied CPC high school students on annual trips to Mexico to build shelters.

Jim is survived by his wife Marcie, his sons Matthew (Lindsay) and Bradley (Stacy) and four grandchildren, Maya, Lucy, Brynn and Garrett. He also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ken.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 1920 Canal Street, Merced, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Restore Merced, 419 W. 19th Street, Merced, CA 95340 (restoremerced.org) or Katmai Conservancy, P.O. Box 90921, Anchorage, AK 99509 (katmaiconservancy.org)