James Sheridan Reese

James Sheridan Reese, age 79, passed away July 02, 2020 peacefully at home in Orange tended by loving family and capable caregivers. He had been challenged by strokes and brain cancer. He was born in San Francisco, CA, and was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Napa College (AA) and Pepperdine University (Bachelor of Science Management).

Jim Grew up working in his family's business -- Merrill's Drug Centers, San Francisco. After 20 years, and having served as President & General Manager, and initiating the addition and success of two stores added to the original four, he began a new life chapter in southern CA joining Sav-On Drugs, Anaheim, where he served as Senior Buyer for 16 years. He next became Purchasing Manager, then Vice President of Operations, for RSO International of Santa Fe Springs, CA, an import food brokerage company. Six years later, Jim joined the Kole Exports family of Carson as MIS Manager where he created a computer department for the company. After 15 years, unexpectedly in 2013, illness forced his retirement. Jim was known as a dedicated, hard-working professional with a most successful record of innovative cost-effective accomplishments in all the management and merchandising positions he held. He was generally considered "the nice, classy, humble, brilliant guy" liked and respected by all.

In S.F., Jim was director-Market St. Development Project., Director- S.F. Better Business Bureau, Chairman-NACDS West Coast Small Chain Conference, Member-Mayor's BART Opening Committee and Market St. Advisory Committee, and a member of S.F. Rotary Club.

Atrophied muscles from polio at age seven dashed his desire for military service, and when younger, eliminated the chance to play high school football. He made up for it by honoring veterans throughout his lifetime, and he certainly loved watching football. He was a competent skier (water and snow), played golf, enjoyed boats, was a private pilot, and commuted to work via motorcycle. He was an accomplished horseback rider, hunter, and knew how to plow a field. He studied/researched and was responsible for the planting of grapevines on a relative's property in Napa. He partnered with his wife in maintaining grazing land in Tuolumne County, and always enjoyed being out in the rural terrain.

At the time of his passing, Jim was a member of Holy Family Cathedral, and was in Knights of Columbus, Council #9195. He belonged to the Ebell Society of the Santa Ana Valley and Town & Gown, Chapman University. He was an appreciated HODAR (husband of a DAR member). Jim adored his family, committed to all their activities, and was always sincerely grateful for caring neighbors, friends and relations.

Jim was predeceased by his father and mother, Wm. M & Allinea M. Reese, and siblings, Wm. M. Reese, Jr., Nancy B. Christenson and David P. Reese. He is survived by Karen, his wife of nearly 58 years, his two daughters & son-in-laws, Jeffery T. & Tracy M. Straley, James J. & Rhonda A. Grasberger, and grandchildren, Jacob T. Straley (fiancé, R. Maurisa C. Jones), Samantha J. Straley, Lauren R. Grasberger, Erica M. Grasberger and Michelle A. Grasberger; sister-in-laws, Joanna Vidito and Mary E. Curtin, and nephews, Jesse B. Vidito III (Luwanna), Matthew E. Vidito, Christiaan B. Curtin (Stacey) and Kenet C. Curtin (Joy), and great nephews and nieces, Jesse B. Vidito, IV (Tracey), Arlo Q. Vidito, Matthew A. Vidito, Rebecca M. Vidito, Natalia M. Vidito, Ashlin K. Curtin and Chrislyn S. Curtin. Cousin Wayne Chapman, along with extended family, Ex- "Uncle Jess" Vidito, II, the L. Jucketts and T. Knutsons.

A "Celebration of Life" is pending.