Phillip James “Jim” Reed was born June 30, 1946, in Niles, Mich. and raised in Roswell, N.M. He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on May 7 in Pensacola, Fla. after a courageous battle with complex medical conditions.
He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Dorothy Reed.
Survivors include wife of 42 years, Elsie Strauss Reed, Foley, Ala.; son, Jimmy (Kelly West) Reed, Whitefish, Mont.; daughter, Lanessa (Michael) Hunter, Pensacola, Fla.; grandsons, Jacob Hunter, Orlando, Fla., Caleb Hunter, Fort Worth, Texas; one sister, Zelma Wilcox, Roswell, N.M.; five brothers, Alan (Billie) Reed, Roswell, N.M., Kurt (Sue) Reed, Santa Barbara, Calif., Britt (Glenda) Reed, Lubbock, Texas, Mark (Leah) Reed, Amarillo, Texas, Vance Reed, Reno, Nev.
Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam, serving as a welder aboard the USS Canberra and the USS Prairie. After honorable discharge, he worked on a thoroughbred horse ranch in Potrero, Calif.
He came to Foley in the early 1970s to work in the agricultural business as a welder at Foley Tractor Co.
A generous heart and spirit of good will, he quickly got connected to the community through several service organizations as soon as he arrived in Foley. He contributed to multiple Jaycees projects, developing many friendships and business relationships. Jim also served several years in a leadership role in VFW Elberta Post 5658.
Ambitious, an avid learner with a strong work ethic, in the early days at Foley Tractor Co., he put himself through night school for heating and air conditioning in order to provide even more for his family by working part-time in that specialty, and in order to apply what he learned to his full-time work.
Jim eventually became co-owner and service manager at Foley Tractor Co., where he served the local farm community for over 20 years.
In 1991, he established his own business, R&R Enterprises, Welding, General Repair and Fabrication. For 22 years he took on welding projects, large and small, including municipal jobs such as the railings at the Foley Post Office, repairs on the city’s heavy equipment and the engine at the Foley Train Depot.
Jim was resourceful and keen-minded. He enjoyed helping others, could build or repair absolutely anything anyone needed and especially loved the challenge of a project that others thought to be impossible.
Jim’s shop was open daily for free coffee and conversation. Straightforward, honest and compassionate, with a great sense of humor, he was a friend and confidant to many.
Jim was a devoted family man. He enjoyed family outings shrimping, floundering and fishing in a wooden jon boat that he built.
An avid bow hunter, he also enjoyed participating with his wife and children in archery tournaments with the former Lower Alabama Bowhunters Club.
He loved being in nature, spending time in the woods and time with his wife in their garden and fruit tree orchard.
A good Samaritan, he always kept a spare tank of gas handy in case folks ran out of fuel on the county road where he lived. When a stranger needed help with an empty gas tank and asked, “What do I owe you?” he would say, “You don’t owe me anything, just pass it on.”
Leading by example, Jim instilled a strong work ethic and do-it-yourself, independent mindset in his children. He treated others with kindness, respect and warmth.
His lifetime of good deeds and work could fill a book. His living example is a legacy to carry forward. This is exemplified in something one of his son’s Montana friends said in offering condolences... “I sure liked your dad. Let me know if there is anything I could do; I would drive across the country for him at the drop of a hat. I did not get to spend a lot of time with him, but it does not take all day to recognize the sun!”
Pastor Janie McBeth officiated graveside services Monday, May 11, at Pine Rest in Foley.
Pallbearers included Ted Raby, Allen Strauss, Lloyd Dillon, Sam Styron, Roy Weeks, Chris Basile.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memoriam to one of the following organizations: Forever Wild Land Trust, Wounded Warrior Project, VFW Elberta Post 5658, Baldwin County Boys Ranch, or St. Judes Children's Hospital.
Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley.
Published Wednesday, June 3, 2015, The Times Independent, Baldwin County, Alabama, Page 5A
He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Dorothy Reed.
Survivors include wife of 42 years, Elsie Strauss Reed, Foley, Ala.; son, Jimmy (Kelly West) Reed, Whitefish, Mont.; daughter, Lanessa (Michael) Hunter, Pensacola, Fla.; grandsons, Jacob Hunter, Orlando, Fla., Caleb Hunter, Fort Worth, Texas; one sister, Zelma Wilcox, Roswell, N.M.; five brothers, Alan (Billie) Reed, Roswell, N.M., Kurt (Sue) Reed, Santa Barbara, Calif., Britt (Glenda) Reed, Lubbock, Texas, Mark (Leah) Reed, Amarillo, Texas, Vance Reed, Reno, Nev.
Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam, serving as a welder aboard the USS Canberra and the USS Prairie. After honorable discharge, he worked on a thoroughbred horse ranch in Potrero, Calif.
He came to Foley in the early 1970s to work in the agricultural business as a welder at Foley Tractor Co.
A generous heart and spirit of good will, he quickly got connected to the community through several service organizations as soon as he arrived in Foley. He contributed to multiple Jaycees projects, developing many friendships and business relationships. Jim also served several years in a leadership role in VFW Elberta Post 5658.
Ambitious, an avid learner with a strong work ethic, in the early days at Foley Tractor Co., he put himself through night school for heating and air conditioning in order to provide even more for his family by working part-time in that specialty, and in order to apply what he learned to his full-time work.
Jim eventually became co-owner and service manager at Foley Tractor Co., where he served the local farm community for over 20 years.
In 1991, he established his own business, R&R Enterprises, Welding, General Repair and Fabrication. For 22 years he took on welding projects, large and small, including municipal jobs such as the railings at the Foley Post Office, repairs on the city’s heavy equipment and the engine at the Foley Train Depot.
Jim was resourceful and keen-minded. He enjoyed helping others, could build or repair absolutely anything anyone needed and especially loved the challenge of a project that others thought to be impossible.
Jim’s shop was open daily for free coffee and conversation. Straightforward, honest and compassionate, with a great sense of humor, he was a friend and confidant to many.
Jim was a devoted family man. He enjoyed family outings shrimping, floundering and fishing in a wooden jon boat that he built.
An avid bow hunter, he also enjoyed participating with his wife and children in archery tournaments with the former Lower Alabama Bowhunters Club.
He loved being in nature, spending time in the woods and time with his wife in their garden and fruit tree orchard.
A good Samaritan, he always kept a spare tank of gas handy in case folks ran out of fuel on the county road where he lived. When a stranger needed help with an empty gas tank and asked, “What do I owe you?” he would say, “You don’t owe me anything, just pass it on.”
Leading by example, Jim instilled a strong work ethic and do-it-yourself, independent mindset in his children. He treated others with kindness, respect and warmth.
His lifetime of good deeds and work could fill a book. His living example is a legacy to carry forward. This is exemplified in something one of his son’s Montana friends said in offering condolences... “I sure liked your dad. Let me know if there is anything I could do; I would drive across the country for him at the drop of a hat. I did not get to spend a lot of time with him, but it does not take all day to recognize the sun!”
Pastor Janie McBeth officiated graveside services Monday, May 11, at Pine Rest in Foley.
Pallbearers included Ted Raby, Allen Strauss, Lloyd Dillon, Sam Styron, Roy Weeks, Chris Basile.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memoriam to one of the following organizations: Forever Wild Land Trust, Wounded Warrior Project, VFW Elberta Post 5658, Baldwin County Boys Ranch, or St. Judes Children's Hospital.
Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley.
Published Wednesday, June 3, 2015, The Times Independent, Baldwin County, Alabama, Page 5A
Phillip James “Jim” Reed was born June 30, 1946, in Niles, Mich. and raised in Roswell, N.M. He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on May 7 in Pensacola, Fla. after a courageous battle with complex medical conditions.
He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Dorothy Reed.
Survivors include wife of 42 years, Elsie Strauss Reed, Foley, Ala.; son, Jimmy (Kelly West) Reed, Whitefish, Mont.; daughter, Lanessa (Michael) Hunter, Pensacola, Fla.; grandsons, Jacob Hunter, Orlando, Fla., Caleb Hunter, Fort Worth, Texas; one sister, Zelma Wilcox, Roswell, N.M.; five brothers, Alan (Billie) Reed, Roswell, N.M., Kurt (Sue) Reed, Santa Barbara, Calif., Britt (Glenda) Reed, Lubbock, Texas, Mark (Leah) Reed, Amarillo, Texas, Vance Reed, Reno, Nev.
Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam, serving as a welder aboard the USS Canberra and the USS Prairie. After honorable discharge, he worked on a thoroughbred horse ranch in Potrero, Calif.
He came to Foley in the early 1970s to work in the agricultural business as a welder at Foley Tractor Co.
A generous heart and spirit of good will, he quickly got connected to the community through several service organizations as soon as he arrived in Foley. He contributed to multiple Jaycees projects, developing many friendships and business relationships. Jim also served several years in a leadership role in VFW Elberta Post 5658.
Ambitious, an avid learner with a strong work ethic, in the early days at Foley Tractor Co., he put himself through night school for heating and air conditioning in order to provide even more for his family by working part-time in that specialty, and in order to apply what he learned to his full-time work.
Jim eventually became co-owner and service manager at Foley Tractor Co., where he served the local farm community for over 20 years.
In 1991, he established his own business, R&R Enterprises, Welding, General Repair and Fabrication. For 22 years he took on welding projects, large and small, including municipal jobs such as the railings at the Foley Post Office, repairs on the city’s heavy equipment and the engine at the Foley Train Depot.
Jim was resourceful and keen-minded. He enjoyed helping others, could build or repair absolutely anything anyone needed and especially loved the challenge of a project that others thought to be impossible.
Jim’s shop was open daily for free coffee and conversation. Straightforward, honest and compassionate, with a great sense of humor, he was a friend and confidant to many.
Jim was a devoted family man. He enjoyed family outings shrimping, floundering and fishing in a wooden jon boat that he built.
An avid bow hunter, he also enjoyed participating with his wife and children in archery tournaments with the former Lower Alabama Bowhunters Club.
He loved being in nature, spending time in the woods and time with his wife in their garden and fruit tree orchard.
A good Samaritan, he always kept a spare tank of gas handy in case folks ran out of fuel on the county road where he lived. When a stranger needed help with an empty gas tank and asked, “What do I owe you?” he would say, “You don’t owe me anything, just pass it on.”
Leading by example, Jim instilled a strong work ethic and do-it-yourself, independent mindset in his children. He treated others with kindness, respect and warmth.
His lifetime of good deeds and work could fill a book. His living example is a legacy to carry forward. This is exemplified in something one of his son’s Montana friends said in offering condolences... “I sure liked your dad. Let me know if there is anything I could do; I would drive across the country for him at the drop of a hat. I did not get to spend a lot of time with him, but it does not take all day to recognize the sun!”
Pastor Janie McBeth officiated graveside services Monday, May 11, at Pine Rest in Foley.
Pallbearers included Ted Raby, Allen Strauss, Lloyd Dillon, Sam Styron, Roy Weeks, Chris Basile.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memoriam to one of the following organizations: Forever Wild Land Trust, Wounded Warrior Project, VFW Elberta Post 5658, Baldwin County Boys Ranch, or St. Judes Children's Hospital.
Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley.
Published Wednesday, June 3, 2015, The Times Independent, Baldwin County, Alabama, Page 5A
He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Dorothy Reed.
Survivors include wife of 42 years, Elsie Strauss Reed, Foley, Ala.; son, Jimmy (Kelly West) Reed, Whitefish, Mont.; daughter, Lanessa (Michael) Hunter, Pensacola, Fla.; grandsons, Jacob Hunter, Orlando, Fla., Caleb Hunter, Fort Worth, Texas; one sister, Zelma Wilcox, Roswell, N.M.; five brothers, Alan (Billie) Reed, Roswell, N.M., Kurt (Sue) Reed, Santa Barbara, Calif., Britt (Glenda) Reed, Lubbock, Texas, Mark (Leah) Reed, Amarillo, Texas, Vance Reed, Reno, Nev.
Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam, serving as a welder aboard the USS Canberra and the USS Prairie. After honorable discharge, he worked on a thoroughbred horse ranch in Potrero, Calif.
He came to Foley in the early 1970s to work in the agricultural business as a welder at Foley Tractor Co.
A generous heart and spirit of good will, he quickly got connected to the community through several service organizations as soon as he arrived in Foley. He contributed to multiple Jaycees projects, developing many friendships and business relationships. Jim also served several years in a leadership role in VFW Elberta Post 5658.
Ambitious, an avid learner with a strong work ethic, in the early days at Foley Tractor Co., he put himself through night school for heating and air conditioning in order to provide even more for his family by working part-time in that specialty, and in order to apply what he learned to his full-time work.
Jim eventually became co-owner and service manager at Foley Tractor Co., where he served the local farm community for over 20 years.
In 1991, he established his own business, R&R Enterprises, Welding, General Repair and Fabrication. For 22 years he took on welding projects, large and small, including municipal jobs such as the railings at the Foley Post Office, repairs on the city’s heavy equipment and the engine at the Foley Train Depot.
Jim was resourceful and keen-minded. He enjoyed helping others, could build or repair absolutely anything anyone needed and especially loved the challenge of a project that others thought to be impossible.
Jim’s shop was open daily for free coffee and conversation. Straightforward, honest and compassionate, with a great sense of humor, he was a friend and confidant to many.
Jim was a devoted family man. He enjoyed family outings shrimping, floundering and fishing in a wooden jon boat that he built.
An avid bow hunter, he also enjoyed participating with his wife and children in archery tournaments with the former Lower Alabama Bowhunters Club.
He loved being in nature, spending time in the woods and time with his wife in their garden and fruit tree orchard.
A good Samaritan, he always kept a spare tank of gas handy in case folks ran out of fuel on the county road where he lived. When a stranger needed help with an empty gas tank and asked, “What do I owe you?” he would say, “You don’t owe me anything, just pass it on.”
Leading by example, Jim instilled a strong work ethic and do-it-yourself, independent mindset in his children. He treated others with kindness, respect and warmth.
His lifetime of good deeds and work could fill a book. His living example is a legacy to carry forward. This is exemplified in something one of his son’s Montana friends said in offering condolences... “I sure liked your dad. Let me know if there is anything I could do; I would drive across the country for him at the drop of a hat. I did not get to spend a lot of time with him, but it does not take all day to recognize the sun!”
Pastor Janie McBeth officiated graveside services Monday, May 11, at Pine Rest in Foley.
Pallbearers included Ted Raby, Allen Strauss, Lloyd Dillon, Sam Styron, Roy Weeks, Chris Basile.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memoriam to one of the following organizations: Forever Wild Land Trust, Wounded Warrior Project, VFW Elberta Post 5658, Baldwin County Boys Ranch, or St. Judes Children's Hospital.
Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley.
Published Wednesday, June 3, 2015, The Times Independent, Baldwin County, Alabama, Page 5A
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