Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1936
DIED
2025
Jimmy Trevena Obituary
September 4, 1936 - September 27, 2025
Modesto, California - Born 09.04.1936 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to Conley and Edith Trevena. Jim joined the Navy at 18 and ended up in Washington state where he met and married Helen Larsen. After an honorable discharge from the Navy he moved his small family to Oregon where he tried working at the lumber mill. Deciding that was not for him, he joined the Air Force and landed in Sacramento, Ca. Once honorably discharged from the Air Force, he was sent to Modesto, CA in early 1962 to see about working for the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office. Jim became a deputy sheriff under Sheriff Dan Kelsey and worked through many different divisions as he progressed through the ranks. He was promoted a number of times including becoming a Sergeant, a Lieutenant and a Chief Deputy. After Dan Kelsey retired he worked under Sheriff Fred Wood. Jim made a number of lifelong friends while working for the Sheriff's Office and led with integrity. (Leaders lead). In 1970-71 Jim and Helen's marriage ended and in 1972 he had met and married Catherine Brewer and remained married for 53 years, until his passing. In 1986 Jim became the Sheriff of Stanislaus County and retired in 1991, trading in law enforcement for golf and travel. He and Cathy had a great journey and enjoyed their wide network of friends. Jim loved life, golf, travel, family, friends and lived a good life. Jim had two brothers; Bill and Bob Trevena. He raised three children; Linda, James (Kathryn) and Joseph (Jane) and he has 5 grandchildren Derel (Teresa), Darcie (Aaron), Matthew (Fiona), Sarah and Joshua. These grandchildren have given him 9 great grandchildren to date. Jim lived a full life, between the dash, and passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 89. Jim, or Sheriff as some called him, will be greatly missed by many. In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to the charity of your choice. Services for Jim will be held on Monday October 6, 2025 at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, CA. Services begin in the Heritage Chapel at 12:00 noon with graveside services at 1:00 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jimmy Trevena
Sponsored by ModestoBee.com.
6 Entries
Jim & Jane Findarle
November 18, 2025
I was so honored to know and work for Sheriff Trevena. He was a true gentleman, leader, and a sly sense of humor. After retirement, we were able to make some memories with he and Cathy on the golf course. A lifetime of dash. My heart goes out to the family. And Cathy, I hope your tears will soon turn to a smile, when remembering...
Kristi green
October 6, 2025
I´m so sorry Cathy
Adam Christianson
October 2, 2025
My family and I offer our condolences on the passing of Sheriff Jim Trevena. I always appreciated his wisdom and advice on being the Sheriff! I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent together. Sheriff Adam Christianson (ret.)
Al Girolami, Judge (ret.)
October 2, 2025
I interacted often with Jimmy often while I was in the District Attorney's office. He was always knowledgable, prepared, and available to assist when requested. He had a career that left a lasting impression on Stanislaus County. My condolences to the family and may he Rest in Peace.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Laura Moore
October 1, 2025
A dear friend my condolences to you and family. Memories never forgotten will live in your heart forever. Remember the many fun times golf, desert and cruises. LM
Jim and Carol McRoberts
September 30, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and the family. Many good memories with them in the dessert golfing and just being together.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Jimmy Trevena's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Jimmy Trevena
People and places connected with Jimmy
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Jimmy's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jimmy Trevena's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
