James Llewellyn Renfree

James Llewellyn Renfree passed away in Citrus Heights, California, during the early dawn of October 5, 2025 at the age of 93. The walls of his simple green room featured numerous photographs paying a rich tribute for his love of family and friends. A giant green and yellow Rapala lure peered down at bedding festooned with rods and salmon, clearly emblematic of his love of fishing.

James’s journey began in Quincy, California on July 9, 1932. His aunt Eva Thomas reported that his mother Violet and the baby were doing fine. In a card sent to his father, William Renfree, Eva noted, ". . . sure is a fine boy, fat as butter," and "the kids are all crazy over him." No words could better foreshadow the life and legacy of James (Jim) Renfree.

After graduating from Redding High School in 1950, Jim joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and soon was stationed in Warrington, England. This was fortuitous because England was the homeland of the Renfree heritage. Within the boundaries of Burtonwood AFB he would meet and almost instantly fall in love with a dark-eyed Ruth Thomas. They would marry on May 28, 1955. Ruth and her young daughter Mary Thomas Renfree would start life anew, departing hesitantly from their English home and family. After flying across the Atlantic, the trio drove across America and arrived in James's hometown of Redding, California in 1956. Ruth was expecting their second child, and the young family would welcome James David Renfree on May 25, 1956. A few years later, Steven Paul Renfree would join the family in January 1959, followed by John Carl Renfree in May 1961.

After reenlisting in the USAF in 1957, Jim would hone his hydraulic skills on various fighter planes and cargo aircraft. He would be stationed in air bases in Sacramento, California; Thule, Greenland; Everett Washington; Novato, California; Spain, and finally in Woodbridge England from 1971 to 1974.

When Jim’s tour of duty concluded in England, the family returned to Sacramento, California, and purchased a home in Citrus Heights. In 1974 James retired from the United States Air Force after over 20 years of service. He would soon return to the same line of work as a civilian at McClellan Air Force Base and continue as a hydraulic mechanic and shop manager for 20 years.

Jim and Ruth would enjoy many happy years entertaining children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. One of Jim’s favorite pastimes was taking family and friends fishing for salmon on the American river and catching Kokanee on California and Wyoming lakes. This was one of his greatest advocations because he could combine his passion for fishing with the rich reward of sharing the experience with family and friends. But that was only one side of this extraordinary individual. Of special note was the joy he and his wife experienced as empty nesters. He and Ruth would venture out on cruises or explore America with cross country camping trips. These were some of the happiest times of their lives, but sadness would arrive when his wife of 40 years became ill and died on February 28, 1995.

It took some time for Jim to heal from his loss, but he busied himself with numerous fishing excursions much to the delight of his many friends and grandchildren. Nothing made him happier than celebrating a huge catch with a grandchild. Jim also resurrected his love of deer hunting, which had remained dormant since he was a young man. In short order, he would venture out with family and friends and successfully capture his prey. However, there was a greater hunter than he. Cupid entered the scene and snared his heart with the next love of his life: Joan Taylor. Cupid did not have to go far; she was Jim’s next-door neighbor! However, proximity did not interfere with their ability to travel far and wide. They were ideal companions, embracing family, friends, and an adventurous spirit of traveling to Europe, the west coast, and camping around the country. In 2003, Jim and Joan would marry in the bride’s backyard. Jeff Ogden (the minister who officiated their wedding and now Jim‘s memorial), quipped that the couple gave added meaning to the commandment, “Love Thy Neighbor!”

Jim Renfree never purported to be a “religious man.” But his values and love for family, friends and individuals of all walks of life presented a man whose spirit of kindness and generosity pave the way for all of us. Perhaps David Ritter had someone like Jim Renfree in mind when his poem, “Gone Fishing” says,

The view is grand and the fishing’s great

but I yearn for you as I wait.

I’ll save a spot on the river’s bend

for all those I call family and friend.

James Llewellan Renfree is survived by his wife, Joan Taylor Renfree; his three children and their spouses: Mary & Gary Kerker, Jim & Teresa Renfree, Steven Renfree; his stepchildren: Sharon Taylor, Julie & Trudy Perdun; his sister Noreen Trisdale; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many adoring friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Renfree; his son John Carl Renfree; and his grandchild, Glen David Renfree.

James’ memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m. at Sylvan Cemetery, 7401 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA. A gathering will follow the memorial service. In lieu of flowers or donations, loved ones are encouraged to go to a special place and raise a glass of their favorite beverage in honor of the life and legacy of Jim Renfree.