He was born on December 24, 1938, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to Edward and Helen Reed. He spent his early years in Bossier City, Louisiana, graduating from Bossier High School in 1957. He married the love of his life, Esther Jane Reed in July 1961. Soon thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and spent four years serving his country. Upon leaving the USAF, he enrolled in Southwestern Assemblies of God College, where he graduated in 1971.
While in college, he supported his family by working as a truck driver and would remain in this profession until retiring in 1998. Not wanting to remain idle in retirement, he decided to become a bus driver for tour companies and drove all over the United States with retirees enjoying their golden years.
He will be remembered as someone who would always be there to help a friend or family member in need. Whether it was something that needed to be built, installed or repaired, he was always the friend, father or grandfather you could count on. Not only could he fix anything, but he was also always willing to do so at any time.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Esther Jane Reed; sons, Stephen Reed and wife, Kathy of Hewitt, Texas, Gregory Reed and wife, Debby of Allen, Texas, and Keith Reed and wife, Pamela of Duncanville, Texas; grandchildren, Parker Reed of Hewitt, Texas, Carson Reed of Hewitt, Texas, Weston Reed of Redwood City, California, and Ashton Bush, and husband, David of Lynchburg, Virgina; and many extended family members and friends who will forever miss his sense of humor and faithfulness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Helen Reed, and his brother, Wayne Reed.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Dr. and Mrs. Bryan Lowery, Taylor Long, MD, and Jospeh Loftus, DDS.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Grove Hill Funeral Home from 6 – 8 PM where light refreshments will be served.
A celebration of life service will be held at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd., Dallas, TX 75228 on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10 AM. Burial will follow at DFW National Cemetery at 1 PM (Section 27A Site 338). https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/JAMESEDWARDREED/a75754
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Adult & Teen Challenge 1401 Meadow St. DeSoto, Texas 75115 (214) 824-6181 https://www.teenchallengedallas.org/
