Gordon James "Jim" Rae

With deep sorrow, we share the passing of Gordon James “Jim” Rae, aged 80, of Garden Grove, California. Jim departed this life on Saturday, December 28th, 2024 after spending his final days surrounded by the love of family celebrating the joy of Christ's birth.

Born on December 2nd, 1944, Jim was a proud Long Beach native. He grew up on the water in Naples having adventures with his identical twin brother Harold Richard “Dick” Rae, as well as his brother David and sister Sue. He graduated from Wilson High School (Class of 1962) and continued his education at Long Beach City College and Long Beach State University, earning a BA in 1968. Jim also served as an Army National Guard reservist from 1968 to 1974.

From an early age, Jim developed a deep connection to the ocean, a passion that shaped his professional life. Despite not meeting the minimum height requirement, his remarkable speed and determination earned him a position as a seasonal Long Beach lifeguard in 1963. He held a variety of positions over the years, including Rescue Boat Operator, until he was promoted to Chief in 1984. He took great pride in this role and, toward the end of his career, worked tirelessly to transition lifeguard operations to the Long Beach Fire Department—a groundbreaking model later adopted by other cities. After 34 years of dedicated service to the Long Beach community, he retired in 1997.

Family and friends were at the center of Jim’s life. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones and was especially blessed to celebrate his 80th birthday on a cruise with his children. Jim had a gift for connecting with people—whether meeting someone for the first time or with lifelong friends. His humor and memory for people and events was unparalleled, allowing him to recount cherished stories that brought laughter to those around him. He had many nicknames (Tone Man, Jimbo, Rae Face), and lots of unique expressions that family and friends will remember and cherish forever. 

Jim loved golfing, traveling on cruises, and exploring the country in his fifth wheel RV with his beloved wife Rosemary. He also loved watching sports, especially golf tournaments and NFL football. Jim had a deep faith in the Lord, nurtured through his participation in Bible studies and active involvement in the Calvary Chapel community. 

His memory will be kept alive by his wife Rosemary Rae of 34 years, his daughters, Ami Rae Brenner (Tim), Kristine Markle (Steve), and Marlene Wagoner (Lee); his sons, Travis Rae (Morgan) and Daryle Moore (Patty); as well as eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, brother David (Carol), and many lifelong friends and lifeguard alumni.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Melanoma Research Alliance in honor of Gordon “Jim” James Rae. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 11am at the Calvary Chapel Westgrove (12832 Knott St, Garden Grove, CA 92841) with a reception to follow. Live streaming will also be available at this link on the day of the service.