James Frederick Sever

years by his side. Jim will be remembered for his intellect, humor, story-telling, and deep love of

his family.

He was born in La Mesa, California on June 16, 1952 and was raised in Fullerton,

California. He attended Fullerton Union High School. Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army in

1972, serving honorably. Following active duty, he served in the Army Reserves. Upon returning

home, he attended Fullerton College and graduated in 1978 from the University of Southern

California with a BS in Business Administration, emphasis in Accounting. He served as Vice

President, Real Estate Development at Markborough Properties, where he developed

Sunnymead Ranch. Jim founded and operated Trademark Financial Services, Residential First

Lending Corp., and JFS Realty.

Jim was devoted to his family. He married his wife, Carol, in February 1990 in Newport

Beach, CA. Jim’s proudest accomplishment was being the father to Ellery Carmichael, Olivia

Bryn, and Rory James Sever. He was a very active participant in their lives. He coached

countless years of soccer, instilled a love of music in each child, introduced his family to the

mountains, and shared infinite bits of his wisdom. Jim loved hosting his family and friends and

was an excellent chef. Throughout his life he loved guitar, cycling, cooking, traveling, boating,

hiking, and spending time with those he loved.

After living in Newport Beach for over 40 years, Jim and Carol moved to La Jolla,

California in 2022. This last year, Jim cherished the time he spent traveling with his family and

friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Gloria Sever, and his brother, Ron

Sever. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and their three children, Ellery, Olivia, and Rory; his

sister, Cynthia Sever Barrow (Richard); his sister-in-law, Eileen Sever (Ron); his sister-in-law

Dana Myerson; and his nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jim’s memory may make a donation in his

name to the American Heart Association.

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” -The Beatles

A celebration of life for James will be held Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, 600 St Andrews Rd, Newport Beach, California 92663.