1978-2006
HIS STORY
In February of 2006 a beloved son, brother, friend, role model passed on from this life onto the next. James Reynolds was an inspiring, deep, creative, talented, multi-faceted soul who will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Yet we know he is truly with the Lord and with us in heart.
James Craig Reynolds passed away suddenly, but peacefully, at the age of 27 on February 6, 2006 in Pleasanton, where he lived for the past couple of years. He was born in Midland, Texas on October 20, 1978. He lived in Pleasanton, California from the age of 4 to 15 and attended Amador Valley High School. He then lived in Sierra Madre, CA and graduated from Maranatha High School in 1996. In 2001, James received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University, Fullerton and graduated Cum Laude. He was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and was the president of Beta Alpha Psi Fraternity at CSU Fullerton. The Department of Accounting Advisory Association awarded James "Outstanding Role Model" in spring of 2000. He was an accountant and worked for Ernst & Young in New York and PriceWaterhouseCoopers in San Francisco.
James is survived by his parents, Craig Reynolds and Suzanne Johnson, stepfather Thomas Johnson, and stepmother Cindy Reynolds; two sisters Camille Perkins and Ashley Johnson, stepbrother Brad Jenkins; and grandparents- maternal step grandfather Lorin Wilson and maternal grandmother Annabelle Wilson; and also paternal grandmother Carol Malone. James was preceded in passing away by his paternal grandfather James Douglas Reynolds and maternal grandfather Howard Lovejoy, along with his paternal step grandfather Charles Malone. He has numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who love him intensely.
James was an intuitive, sensitive, and introspective person who experienced life on a deep level. His intense spirit and depth of soul could not be contained. He played guitar beautifully and had "perfect pitch" as he was once told by his music instructor and first played "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" by ear on his grandmother's piano when he was only four years old. He was also an artist and his use of color expressed passion and vibrancy. In addition to being an artist and musician, he was also an accountant, a rare and beautiful combination. James was an inspiration to all who knew him, a role model and mentor to many, and had a vast array of relationships with many friends who will all greatly miss him. We can all be assured that he is alive more fully than ever, and that all of his wonderful qualities are now being expressed in completion in Heaven.
A memorial service for James was held on Monday, February 13 at 2:00pm at The Cornerstone Fellowship in Livermore (348 North Canyons Parkway, Livermore, CA 94551).
Please direct donations on James' behalf to the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) or a substance abuse recovery program of your choice. To submit a donation to the ARC, send a check written out to Salvation Army with "ARC" written in the memo section to: Salvation Army, Attn: Donor Dept., P.O. Box 193465, San Francisco, CA 94119.
TRIBUTE VIDEO
PHOTOS
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ARTWORK
Sometimes, as a high school teacher, a student comes along who makes an indelible imprint on one’s heart…James Reynolds was one of those students in my life. He, in spite of – or perhaps because of his earlier struggles in life, was absolutely full of life. He often said to me that he knew that God had given him a second chance to honor Him, and he wanted to take that seriously. He possessed depth and maturity beyond his years, a strong love for the Lord who saved him, as well as a humble and infectious love for others around him.
When I was asked to write an introduction to James’ artwork, I at first thought it would be an easy task. I loved having James as a student and he was an extremely talented, enthusiastic student; the kind of student who makes a teacher’s job worthwhile. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I wanted my words to adequately describe this young man who graced my classroom for two years with his presence, and this is not an easy task. A precious life can’t easily be summed up in a couple of short paragraphs. But what I can say about James is that his artwork reflected who he was. James oozed with creativity. His work was often very colorful and flowing, much like music (another of his talents). He wanted his work to express something beyond just what could be seen at face value. With each piece, his confidence in his art ability grew and he was always teachable, soaking it all in. He grew tremendously as an artist because he was willing to take chances, which allowed him to express himself more fully through his art. With each artwork James gave a little bit more of himself.
I feel humbled and honored to have been a small part of James Reynolds’ life. He was a remarkable young man and I imagine him now rejoicing in glorious song as he paints Heaven in full, vibrant color!
Blessings,
Diane Barnhart
Art Instructor/Visual and Performing Arts Chairperson, Maranatha High School
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