James "Jim" Reed Jr.

Beloved James “Jim” Reed Jr., age 87, passed from this life on May 24th, 2025, in O’Fallon, Missouri, surrounded by family. Born on June 21st, 1937, in Oak Park, Illinois, Jim served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960, where he met his beautiful wife while stationed in South Dakota. Jim was devoted to his family, always present with unwavering love and strength. Affectionately known as “Papa” to many, he took pride in raising strong, compassionate women and men — a legacy that lives on through them. He is survived by his wife of more than 65 years, Evelyn Jean Reed (née Rose); daughter Michelle Reed Daniels; son Rick James Reed; brother Les & Cheri Rose; by his sister Arlene Reed; grandchildren Kyle & Maggie Meadows, Anthony & Brooke Meadows, Tyler Meadows, Jessica Reed, Emily Reed, and Taylor Tettamble; great-grandchildren Gordon & Georgia, Dexter & Calvin, Lincoln & Rory, and Lorelai. Jim is further survived by his nephews and nieces: John & Amanda Reed, Nicole Reed, Mike & Kristen Rose, Christian Garrison, Rusty & Julie Foster, Ace & Heidi Foster, and Stacy & Brian Boomgaarden; as well as many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and extended family — all of whom brought joy to his life and now carry forward his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, James G. Reed and Honora Reed; brother Jack Reed; sisters Eileen Reed and Vonnie Foster; daughter Jenenne Reed Meadows; son Alan Jerome Reed; and in-laws Alwyn and Bernadette Rose. Jim now joins his dearly missed loved ones in the afterlife, where he is welcomed with open arms by those who went before him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a tree in Jim's name or donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.