James "Foxx" Edward Reddish

James Edward Reddish better known to his listeners as “The Foxx” passed away on May 2, 2015 at CMC - Union.

Born in Monroe, NC on September 20, 1953, to the late Tommy Reddish and Lenoir Crump Reddish. He was raised, by his now deceased maternal grandmother, Evia P. Crump of Monroe. James grew up in Union County with a deep love for music, playing guitar in several local bands and making a life long career of Broadcasting. He most recently broadcasted “The Oldie and Beach Music Show” on WDZDFM in Monroe, was the former Principal Owner and General Manager of WIXE in Monroe, starting out in radio at the age of 14 as a part-time announcer in 1968 at WMAP in Monroe. “Foxx” accomplished his dream of working and managing stations in the 2 Carolinas and Georgia. He is probably best known for his Beach Music and Oldies shows, Host of the Top of the Hill Breakfast Club and as The Voice of Union County Sports for many years. He was also the “Voice” of the Wingate University Bulldogs from 1986 and finishing off with a live broadcast from Italy with the Lady Bulldogs of Wingate in 1994.

His Passions were: Family, Lay Speaking in the United Methodists Denomination, Broadcasting, Free Masonry and Sports, especially, his beloved DUKE Blue Devils.

In November of 2009, James was awarded “The Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Charlotte Music Awards. Notable winners of this Award have been, Stan and Sis Kaplan former owners of “Big Ways”, Maurice Williams of the Zodiacs fame and Arthur Smith, Charlotte TV Entertainer.

In his Civic Life, James was Past President of Union Co. Crime Stoppers, a former Rotarian, served on the Union County Community Shelter Board in the 90’s, was a former member of the Union County Board of Equalization and Review and Travel and Tourism Boards. James was also appointed to the NC Low Level Waste Management Authority Board and served until it was disbanded. James was appointed an Honorary Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky in 2002 and honored by the Army with an American Flag flown March 15, 2007 over HQ Multi National Corps-Iraq Camp Victory. He was also presented a Meritorious Certificate and Medal from the Dept. of the Army as “Citizen Warrior” for his Voice Work on a Virtual Tour Website in support of the Army’s “Fort Family” initiative. His production work received Laudatory remarks from Admiral Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a briefing at the Pentagon that was attended, by a member, of President Obama’s, Personal Staff for Military Initiatives.

He was an Endowed Member of Hibriten Lodge # 262 AF & AM in Lenoir and Past Master of Meadow Branch Lodge # 578 AF & AM in Wingate. He served three years as District Deputy Grand Master for the 29th Masonic District and was a member of many affiliates Masonic Bodies. He was a member of The Valley of Charlotte Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ of the USA and was Coroneted with the rank and decoration of 33 Inspectors General Honorary in 2003. James was member of Monroe York Rite Bodies and Lenoir York Rite Bodies. In 2002-2003 he served as Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in North Carolina and received the Knight York Grand Cross of Honor and the York Rite Sovereign College “Order of The Purple Cross” in 2003.

James, “The Foxx”, Loved Life and Loved people, always reaching out volunteering his time to help the less fortunate. He loved his listeners and always realized that they were the key to his Broadcasting Successes. He loved his church family at Hebron UMC, Mt. Carmel UMC, Smyrna UMC, Midway UMC and the many he gave sermons at. He didn’t quite know how to use Face Book but loved friends on there.

James is survived by his wife, Deborah Smith Reddish of Monroe, three children: Evia, of Raleigh, Jeff, of Indian Trail and Amanda from Conway, SC and three grandchildren. Also surviving are Sister Sarah Crump Griffin of Marshville, Brothers, Sam Reddish, Joe Reddish, and Gene Reddish of Reidsville, Georgia; in-laws, CW and Ann Smith of Conway, SC; special friend, Susan H. Cook, along with many nieces and nephews.

He leaves behind many special ladies that he referred to as “Mom”. Virginia Pierce and Modene Howie and preceded in death by Annie Lee Hill. They were his special family and was very proud to be a small part of their families.

There were many “Mentors” who shaped his life were the late Tom Desio who trained him in Radio, the late G. Dick Pierce, whom he referred to as his “Masonic Dad”, and the late Peter Arkwright, friend and Masonic Brother. Sis and Andy Booth, Jerry Furr, Arthur and Carol Reeder, Wade Broome, Doug Laney Rev. Nick Rochester, Rev. Don Meadows, Tom Hinson, Steve Brawley and Vic Shaw all nurtured and encouraged his Mission as a Lay Speaker. Brig. General Retired, and life-long friend, Danny Hill who was like a brother to him growing up.

Mr. Reddish’s family will receive friends from 12:00pm until 2:00pm Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Mt. Carmel UMC, located on Carmel Church Rd. in Monroe, with the funeral service starting at 2:00pm. Burial will follow in Hill Cemetery on Olive Branch Rd. with full Masonic Rites.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to: The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, Crime Stoppers of Union Co., Home Town Heroes, or American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.mcewenmonroechapel.com