Jim Reed Jr.

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, August 10, 2010

RAYMOND — Services for Warren James Reed Jr., who died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010, at St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Clinton.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. under the direction of Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday, both at the funeral home.

Mr. Reed was born Oct. 10, 1927, in Natchez, the son of Warren James Reed and Allie Maud Brewer Reed. He was a retired life insurance underwriter with certifications as a CLU and FLMI, having worked for Allstate Insurance Company in Jackson for 13 years. Mr. Reed then became a partner with National General Insurance Company from 1972 until his retirement in 1990. After his retirement he traveled the state as a burial association examiner and enjoyed meeting a number of people from all over the state.

Mr. Reed was a 1945 graduate of Natchez High School and served in the Civil Air Patrol during his high school days. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Coronado Island in San Diego, Calif., and upon his release from the military he attended Louisiana State University. Jim returned to Natchez where he met the “love of his life,” the former Thelma Jean Holmes. They had their first date July 3, 1950, and were married Feb. 9, 1951. In 1959, he moved his family to Jackson where he began his insurance career. Jim and his wife moved from Jackson to Raymond in March 1982, after building their home in the country. He cherished the days spent caring for his yard, fishing in his pond, and enjoying family and friends who came to visit. He also enjoyed the company of a number of longtime friends who met regularly for lunch or just to “catch up.”

Jim was an active member of Raymond United Methodist Church, after having been a former member of both Capitol Street United Methodist Church and Galloway United Methodist Church. He served as an usher, teacher, board member and in a number of other capacities as a faithful church member. He was an original member of the Board of Trustees for Riggs Manor Retirement Community from its inception. Jim was a very spiritual man and loved visiting with residents of Riggs. He never met a stranger and was a mentor to a number of people. He was involved with a number of local charities and civic organizations throughout his life.

Jim’s favorite hobby was airplanes. He learned to fly Piper Cubs at a young age and flew with his friends any time he had a chance and even took more flying lessons in his 70s. His other great passions were music and reading. He loved the Big Band era, yet he appreciated all types, so his home was always filled with great music.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma, of almost 60 years; three daughters, Lisa Reed Rutledge and husband, Lamar, Leah Reed Starnes and husband, Greg, all of Clinton, and Rhonda Reed of Jackson; his one and only sister, Ann Johnson and husband, Bill, of Natchez; three grandsons, Brian Rutledge of Ridgeland, Kevin Rutledge and wife, Jennifer, of Brandon and Reed Starnes of Clinton; and two great-grandchildren, Cole Rutledge and Jenna Rutledge, both of Brandon.

Pallbearers will be Brian Rutledge, Kevin Rutledge, Lamar Rutledge, Greg Starnes, Reed Starnes and nephew, Butch Johnson of Natchez.

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Raymond United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 64, Raymond, MS 39154.

Online condolences may be sent to www.wrightferguson.com.