James "Jim" Wade Reese

Jim Reese, age 91, passed away September 1, 2021. He was born in Dayton, OH, and moved to Miami, FL when he was 14 years old. He graduated from Miami Senior High School and attended the University of Florida. He was also in the US Navy Reserves and during college was called to active duty and served aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt Aircraft Carrier. He also attended the University of Miami, and the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville in KY. He graduated from Florida International University with a BS Degree in Criminal Justice.

He worked at the Miami Police Department from 1952-1980, starting as a Patrol Officer and retiring as a Major. He was State President of the Fraternal Order of Police from 1964-66, and lobbied on behalf of police officers. He successfully lobbied the legislature and created the first minimum standards for the selection and training of police officers in the state of Florida. He was appointed to the Police Standards Commission by Gov. Claude Kirk, and reappointed by Governors Askew and Graham and served for many years as Chairman.

Upon retiring, he moved to Tallahassee to become the Staff Director of the Corrections, Probation and Parole committee of the House of Representatives. He helped pass legislation for the minimum standards for selection of correction officers, and created the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, which later merged with the Police Standards Commission. He also worked with the Department of Business and Professional Regulations, retiring as a regional supervisor.

He was an avid Florida Gator fan his entire life, and was a season ticket holder for 30 years. He spent many weekends of his retirement attending UF football and basketball games. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Miami Police Benevolent Association, the Masons, the Scottish Rite, the Marzuq Shrine Temple and the Royal Order of Jesters. He also enjoyed golf for many years.

He married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Anne McCreery, 67 years ago at Plymouth Congregational Church in Miami and is a member of the Presbyterian faith. He is survived by his wife, two daughters Linda Yon (Steve) and Margie Reese, two grandsons, Michael Yon (Jenny) and Kevin Yon (Jessica), and great grandsons Brandon and William Yon. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Juanita Reese.

Due to Covid-19, a private family internment will be held. Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home - Timberlane will be handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory and sent to the Marzuq Shrine Transportation Fund (on behalf of Shriner’s Hospitals) at P. O. Box 37130 Tallahassee, FL. 32315-7130.