Jim's Wake 2025

James Edward Redding
October 1, 1936 – May 15,2025

Jim Redding lived a full life. Jim lived and loved with a quiet intensity, and he took exceptionally good care of our community. He was a successful real estate developer. Jim Redding died at home with his husband, Jef Turnbull, at his side.

Jim was born in New Jersey and raised in Black Point and Novato. As a youngster, Jim and his younger brother Ross were playing around with sticks when Jim lost the use of one eye. This did not stop Jim from doing all that he wanted to do. Jim then lost his father to an industrial accident when he was a teenager. Jim become the “man of the house” and looked after his mother Della and younger brother Ross, helping his mother to buy their home in Novato.

Jim storted work at Bechtel Corporation starting in 1965 as a Data Processing Manager. Ten years later Jim became a real estate broker and quickly moved on to become a real estate developer in Rohnert Park. Jim quietly and carefully built up his business, which allowed him to retire early.

We used to tease Jim about the unlimited supply of See’s Candy in his car. He made sure to acknowledge every receptionist and secretary, treating them with respect and appreciating the valuable work they do.

Jim and Jef met on December 21 ,1978, in response to a share rental ad Jef so bravely put in this very paper (Thanks, PD!).
lnstantly compatible, despite their age difference, they have been together ever since. Jim’s pride and joy was their home, the RedBull Ranch, which was completed in 1991. Designed to be in the French manor style, the gardens evoke Monet’s Garden in Giverny. Jim and Jef worked endlessly to make their home a serene retreat complete with over 100 roses and 1100 trees and bushes. The Ranch has been the home of many enjoyable parties.

As Jim and Jef worked on their travel bucket lists, they felt much satisfaction and gratitude at having seen so much of the world.

After retiring, Jim served on local non-profit boards. He served with distinction on the Face to Face Board of Directors, the Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging Board, and the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Foundation Board. Jim served on the Finance and Executive Committees. He loved finding answers to complex financial problems. His advice and skill regarding real estate transactions were invaluable. He never forgot what mattered most: the patients and the elderly who live alone. Jim was always prepared and will be remembered as a remarkably smart, kind, generous and most of all, a modest person.

Jim was born on October 1, I936, in Cope May, New Jersey, to Della Balzac Redding and James Edward Redding Sr. Jim is survived by his loving partner and husband of almost 47 years, Jef Turnbull, sister-in-law Judith Redding and nephew Garrett Redding. Jim’s brother Ross died in 2007. Jim also leaves behind his best friend, Wolfgong “CIiff” Moder.

We owe an extraordinary gift of gratitude to Jim’s friend and caregiver, Claude Low. ln his final days, Claude gave Jim the gift of not only care, but humor, kindness and compassion. Jef is eternally grateful to Claude for this.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

SHOULD YOU GO FIRST
Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.
In Spring I'll wait for roses red,
When fades the lilac blue
In early Fall, when brown leaves call
I'll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go f,rrst and I remain
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'11 see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup ofjoy,
And memory is one gift of god
That death cannot destrov.
Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I'd have you do:
Walk slowly down that long, lone path.
For soon I'11 follow you.
I'11 want to know each step you take
That I may walk the same,
For some day down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.
A. K. Roswell

(Jef found this poem in Jim's files and had never seen it before. Jef felt it was significant and wanted to share it with everyone.)