James Reser

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of James “Jim” Reser on April 22, 2024 at the age of 87, in his hometown of Camarillo, CA.

Jim was born on November 13, 1936 to Dr. James Reser “Doc” and Alice Reser of Oxnard, CA. As a young man, Jim was a triple sport athlete who held a basketball record for many years as an Oxnard H.S. Yellowjacket. In 1954 he graduated from Oxnard High School and his basketball talent earned him a scholarship to UCLA. During this time at UCLA, he played basketball on a team coached by John Wooden. He graduated as a Bruin in 1959 with a Masters Degree in Physical Education.

He joined the U.S. Navy as a commissioned officer and served several years on the U.S.S. Princeton. After his honorable discharge from the military, Jim returned to his hometown to begin his career as an educator. In his 36 years of teaching in Ventura County, he held numerous roles including teacher, counselor, coach, and athletic director. He had essential roles at Camarillo, Rio Mesa, and Thousand Oaks High Schools. Jim was elected to a position on the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks District where he worked to open several community parks.

Jim was a dedicated husband of 46 years, married to Ellen Etchechoury of Camarillo in 1978. He was a committed father who raised five children, Michael, Cathrine, Tim, Jaeme and Caree. His life was filled with many passions, all of which involved sports and his family. Family time was filled with beach and lake camping, boating, and working meticulously on his home. After retirement from Camarillo High School in 1997, Jim did not slow down. He spent the next 10 years filling his days working at Trader Joes, Camarillo Springs Golf Course and Las Posas Country Club. Most of the county, if not taught by “Mr. Reser'', would see his smiling face at the checkout stand or on the golf course. Late in his life he remained active traveling with his wife around the country and even to Guam.

He is survived by his wife Ellen; sister, Marcia Antley; his children Michael Reser, Cathrine Blair (Rob), Tim Reser, Jaeme Anger (Michael) and Caree Houskamp (Daniel); and a proud Papa to nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 25th in Somis, CA. Please contact the family via email at chouskamp@gmail.com for details and to join us.