Jim's obituary
Jim was born in Anaheim, California to Anthony Renna and Jo Anne Rees. Jim graduated from Anaheim High school and lived in Anaheim before moving to Perris. He is survived by his wife Patty whose relationship with him spanned 29 years, his children Naomi, Amber, Katie, Jessica, Christopher, siblings Kenny, Jerry, Marie and Julie, and grandchildren Gabriel, Alexandria, Anthony, Arika, Zackeri, Madison, Bella, Ryan, Jaxon and other extended family.
Jim worked in the grocery industry for 48 years, 30+ of which were with Lucky’s/Albertsons. He was a dedicated and professional employee who always put his best foot forward. He strove to make his stores, colleagues and employees shine. Jim always focused on bringing out the best in everyone he worked with and mentored countless people over the years. Many of his co-workers say he could be a tad testy on the outside but in reality was a real softie with a heart of gold.
Jim met his wife Patty in the store where they worked. They became close friends and eventually, husband and wife when they married on a romantic cliff side overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Jim enjoyed vacations with Patty, family, and close friends. He was an avid boater, taking friends and family to the river and lake every chance he got. Jim loved spending time with his children and grandchildren any chance he could get. When his daughters were young he would wake them up early to take them water skiing before sending them to school. That is an awesome dad! He loved to fish, scuba dive, water and snow ski – any type of outdoor activity around the water made him happy. Though an excellent snow skier, he preferred activities where he could bake in the sun on the water with a Corona in his hand. He knew boats and cars inside and out and spent years teaching his son Chris what he knew, while they restored the jet boat together. Jim loved passing his knowledge to his children. Of course mechanics’ tools were his Achilles heel - he never met a tool he didn’t want to own! His dream was to retire someplace warm & close to the water.
Jim was filled with integrity, good nature, honesty and an incredible work ethic. He loved his family fiercely and protectively and was the epitome of a family man. His core values were impeccable and most of all, he was always fair. He could be counted on for solid advice and his wise counsel will be greatly missed. We are profoundly saddened and shocked by his loss and miss him already. We are comforted by the amazing love and precious memories he gave us that will never die. He will live in our hearts forever.
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