Santa Clara County CA Archives Obituaries.....Rea, James William March 21, 1928
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San Jose Evening News, San Jose, California, 23 March 1928, page 1, column 6: 
 
“James W. Rea, Noted Here In Politics, Dies 
Hundreds of Santa Clara County residents were grieved today to learn of the 
death in Washington, D. D., on Wednesday of James W. Rea, 75, former noted 
political leader here and pioneer attorney, following an illness of several 
weeks. 
 
Mr. Rea’s son, Attorney E. M. Rea of San Jose, called East when advised that his 
father’s condition was critical several weeks ago, was with the former 
Republican leader when he passed away.  According to word received here, Mr. 
Rea’s body will be cremated in Washington and the ashes sent to San Francisco 
for interment. 
 
WAS “BIG BOSS” 
 
A native of Gilroy, “Jim” Rea, as he was popularly known, came to San Jose at 
the age of 15 years to attend the old University of the Pacific.  For a time he 
engaged in the realty business with T. S. Montgomery, and later with the firm 
Rea, Austin & Darby.  Still later the firm became known as Rea & Leet. 
 
While engaged in the realty business here Mr. Rea became actively interested in 
civic affairs and entered politics, being associated with the late John McKenzie 
for some time.  Mr. Rea became a powerful leader and for years was known as the 
“big boss” of Santa Clara County politics.  Although his interest was centered 
in politics for years, Mr. Rea never lost sight of the importance of civic 
welfare, and he could always be counted upon to aid in any movement for the god 
of San Jose or Santa Clara County, giving freely of his time and money. 
 
Mr. Rea bore the reputation of having a “word as good as his bond.”  This was 
true in politics and business.  Although a hard fighter, he was generous to the 
opposition, no matter how great his own victory, and after a battle he emerged 
smiling, even if he had been defeated. 
 
For two terms, starting in 1886, Mr. Rea served as a State railroad 
commissioner.  In 1910 he withdraw [sic] from politics and for several years 
devoted his attention to gold mining at Nevada City.  In addition, he owned a 
number of fine ranch properties in various parts of Santa Clara County. 
 
MANY ACTIVITIES 
 
His home place was on Alviso Road, four miles north of San Jose, where for a 
time he bred running horses, some of which held world’s records. 
 
Four years ago he became interested with two inventors, Messrs. Williams and 
Hopkins, in promotion of a fuel-less motor, and had been in Washington with them 
on this matter for the past four years. 
 
Mr. Rea was the son of Thomas Rea, pioneer California, and former mayor of 
Gilroy.  His father was a well-known capitalist.  Surviving him are three 
children, Attorney Edwin M. Rea of San Jose, Dr. Thomas Rea of Oakland, and Mrs. 
Edith Knowles of Gilroy, as well as three sisters, Mrs. Ada Strange of San 
Francisco, Miss Carrie Rea of Gilroy, and Mrs. Mary Pyle of Bakersfield. 
 
FATHERED PROJECTS 
 
Among the civic projects in which Mr. Rea was largely instrumental in promoting 
were the San Jose Interurban Railway, the organization of the Hotel Vendome and 
the Commercial and Savings Bank. 
 
Fraternally, Mr. Rea was a Mason, an Elk, and a Native Son.  He also held 
membership in the Union League and Sainte Claire Clubs.” 


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