Obituary
James Robert Presler (Jamey) was born August 30, 1980 in Crescent City, CA and was killed in a tragic rollover car accident in Trinity County near Dinsmore, CA just four days before his 32nd birthday. His faithful canine companion, Rogue, perished with him. Jamey was returning from a weekend camping trip with friends on the Mad River.
Jamey was a lifelong resident of Del Norte County. He attended Fort Dick Bible Academy as a young child and was then educated at home with his brother and sisters by their mother. Upon graduation at 18, he began work for Brookings Masonry and Tile where he stayed for nearly 13 years. Jamey had most recently made a career change and began a job with the California State Park system. His love for nature and outdoor activities was rekindled by this job and he became more interested in hiking, backpacking and camping. Jamey especially enjoyed encounters with the wildlife in their natural habitat. He loved doing these activities with friends and family. When he was younger, Jamey learned to play the guitar and liked to tinker with the ukulele, which he bought while on vacation, visiting friends in Hawaii. He also became quite good at keeping the old 77 chevy pickup running, no matter how old and rusty it got. Something like 3 engines, two rear-ends and several radiators and clutches. Jamey wasnt afraid of tearing into the Toyota for a major overhaul either. He loved soccer in high school and learned to surf. He still had a knack for the skateboard and wouldnt miss a chance to snowboard, even if his knee was torn up. Family and friends were important to Jamey. He never missed a family gathering, especially if there was food. One of his goals was to attend all of his cousins weddings. He made it to most of them.
Jamey is survived by his long term girlfriend, Lindsay Ford; his good friend and room mate Jeremy Hulleman; his grandmother Daroline Presler; his parents Donna and Robert Presler; sisters Katie and Hilary Presler; brother Reuben Presler (Ashley); all of Crescent City; sister Shanna Davies (Toby) of Lynchburg, VA. He also leaves behind his aunt, Terri Higgins (Tim); uncles Larry Presler (Shelly) and Ben DeMaris (Marlene) of Crescent City; aunt Jan Beaumont (Dan) of Portland, OR; aunt Bonnie Carrell (Larry); aunt Kathy Dresback (Mark) of Spokane, WA; uncles Desmond Nascimento (Vickie), Aaron Nascimento (Colleen) of Medford, OR; uncle Patrick Nascimento (Jeannie) of Jacksonville, OR; uncle Mark Nascimento of Victor, MT; family friend/adopted sister Elizabeth OConnor, Sydney, Australia. Jamey also leaves behind many cousins and many many friends.
Jamey was preceded in death by his great grandmother Kate Molle and his grandfather James Presler. Our lives have been changed forever and we grieve for our great loved one, friend, son, grandson, brother, cousin and nephew. We will always love you, Jamey.
Visitation will be held at Wiers Mortuary Chapel on Friday, August 31st from 10 am until 4 pm.
Funeral Services will be held at the Smith River Baptist Church, Highland & Highway 101 North, Smith River on Saturday, September 1st at noon. Interment will follow at the Smith River District Cemetery.
Funeral Service:
Smith River Baptist Church
12:00 PM, Saturday, September 1, 2012