James Warren Redding

James (Jim) Warren Redding, native son of Coalinga, CA, died on August 10, 2017. He was 85 years
old.
Jim is survived by his wife Catherine Redding; his daughter, Sharon Gallagher of Los Osos, CA; his
three grandchildren, Gretchen Schmidt-Soares of Oologah, OK, Shawn Gallagher of Heritage Ranch,
CA and Grady Gallagher of California Valley, CA; his six great-grandchildren, Brianna Tanner and
Josie Gallagher both of Los Osos, CA, Nathaniel Soares and Audrey Soares both of Oologah, OK,
Cody Gallagher and Layke Gallagher both of Heritage Ranch, CA; and his great-great granddaughter,
Kimber Tanner of Los Osos, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Zeb and Emily Redding of
Coalinga, CA, his twin brothers Dale and Larry Redding of Coalinga, CA and his great granddaughter
Taylor Soares of Los Osos, CA.
Jim was born on September 12, 1931 in Coalinga, CA to Zeb and Emily Redding. Jim served his
country honorably in the United States Navy from October 28, 1948 to October 22, 1952 during the
Korean War. He married Catherine Redding on April 12, 1953. Jim attended Coalinga College and
West Hills College in Coalinga, CA, graduating with a degree in criminal justice. Jim and Catherine
spent their 64 married years in Coalinga, CA. Jim’s career focus represented many areas he was
passionate about. Jim worked for PG&E after leaving the Navy, operated his own service station in
Coalinga, and worked for Union Oil as a field worker retiring from Union Oil after 32 years of service
on April 1, 1988. Jim volunteered for the Coalinga Fire Department as a fire fighter/EMT for over 20
years. He was also a volunteer deputy for the Freson County Sheriff’s department. Jim also
thoroughly enjoyed being the campground host for many years at Willow Creek Campground located
in the Northern Sierras of CA.
Jim’s family remembers him as a dedicated family person who welcomed each new member of the
ever-growing family whole heartedly and never failed to encourage his family to pursue their dreams
and goals.
In addition to his many careers, Jim was an active volunteer in his community serving in the Coalinga
Lions Club. Jim also got great enjoyment from helping to organize and attending the reunions for the
ship that he served on during his military career. One of Jim’s greatest passions was traveling and
camping throughout the United States with his wife. Jim also loved to hunt, fish and generally being in
the outdoors.
Jim fought a valiant fight against many health issues over the past years, and he passed away
peacefully on August 10, 2017.
Graveside services are scheduled for Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 11:00 am at Pleasant Valley
Cemetery. Family invites you to Jim and Catherine’s home for a gathering immediately following
graveside services. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim's life. In lieu of flowers family
suggests donations to Coalinga Fireman’s Club (300 West Elm Ave, Coalinga, CA 93210) or RC
Baker Memorial Museum (297 West Elm Ave, Coalinga, CA 93210)

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