James A. Deaver

James Anthony Deaver, 60, of Redding, California, passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2026. Jim, lovingly known by many as “Coach Deaver or Deav,” was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, teacher, and cherished friend. His presence and the impact he made on so many lives will be deeply missed.

Jim was born in Gilroy, California, on August 29, 1965, to Ronald and Josephine Deaver. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, Palma High School, and California State University, Chico, where he earned his degree in Education.

Jim began his teaching and coaching career at Gilroy High School, where he met his first wife, Karen Aldrich. They married on August 7, 1993, and soon moved to Redding to begin their life together. They were blessed with two sons, Colton and Jason.

Jim continued his career at Parsons Middle School before finding his longtime home at Enterprise High School. For nearly three decades, he taught and coached cross country, basketball, and track and field. He retired in 2022 after a remarkable career dedicated to his students and athletes.

In 2018, Jim’s life was altered by the loss of his wife, Karen. In the years that followed, Jim was blessed to meet Larinda Hughes. They married on October 10, 2020, and began a new chapter filled with love, family, and countless memories. Just weeks after retiring, Jim was diagnosed with Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), a rare, progressive, and incurable neurological disease. Despite the challenges the disease brought, Jim continued to be surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Jim was a devoted follower of Jesus. Raised in the Catholic faith, he attended Catholic schools and even served as an altar boy during grammar school. His faith remained an important part of his life, and he was intentional about raising his boys in Christian school through Middle School, instilling in them the values he held so deeply. Jim and Larinda attended Pathway Church of Redding together, where their faith continued to be an important part of their life as a couple.

Jim’s influence as an educator and coach extended far beyond the classroom and athletic field. He believed in his students, challenged his athletes to be their best, and invested in the lives of countless young people. His dedication to Enterprise High School was recognized when the annual track meet he started was renamed The Jim Deaver Hornet Invitational in his honor following his retirement. In 2024, Enterprise honored him once again by inducting him into the Athletic Hall of Fame and again recognized him this past March.

Jim had an extraordinary ability to make people feel valued, and he left an impression on nearly everyone he encountered. His legacy will live on through the many students he taught, athletes he coached, friendships he formed, and lives he touched.

Jim is survived by his wife, Larinda Deaver of Redding; his sons, Colton Deaver (Nicole) of Prineville, Oregon, and Jason Deaver (fiancée Jeanna) of Redding; his sister, Lori Toste (Gilbert) of Gilroy; his stepchildren, Cody Hughes (Adrienne), Ellie Reid (Carson), and Wyatt Hughes, all of Redding; his nieces and nephews; and his beloved grandchildren, Bodie Deaver, Everly and Cole Reid, and Nolan and Weston Hughes. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, John Pipkin (Liz) of Gilroy, and other extended family members.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ron and Jo Deaver; his first wife, Karen Deaver; and his sister, Tami Pipkin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Redding Christian School, 2960 Hartnell Avenue, Redding, CA 96002.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to CurePSP, an organization supporting research and education related to progressive neurological diseases, including CBD. Donations may be made in Jim’s name to CurePSP, 325 Hudson Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013.

The Jim Deaver Track Scholarship, established at Enterprise High School in Jim’s honor, has already awarded scholarships to several student-athletes over the past few years. Those wishing to continue honoring Jim’s passion for coaching and his commitment to helping young athletes are welcome to make a donation to the scholarship in his name.

Jim’s life was defined by faith, family, teaching, coaching, and a genuine love for people. His legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched, the athletes he inspired, and the lessons he left behind.

Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew him.