James Michael Reed

Jim Reed was born in Beech Grove to Ben & Gladys Reed on December 14, 1951. He went to Beech Grove High School, Class of 1969. He married Sherry in Evansville. He studied at Purdue University and retired from Welborn Clinic. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the Air Force with the 362nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (TEWS) and was awarded a Commendation Medal. He was also stationed at Loring AFB, Maine. On June 1, 1971, he became a crew chief on a B-52G, tail number 224. Jim rode Harleys and was an accomplished wood worker, model maker, and candle creator. His handmade, hardwood chess sets are beautiful creations. Jim did not slow down in retirement. Ever the entrepreneur and craftsman, he created and sold chess sets, clocks, and candles. He was involved with the Vietnam Air War, a group committed to sharing the stories of the men & women who served in Vietnam. Jim never wavered in his support of veterans, particularly those who, like him, served in Vietnam. Jim was a proud supporter of Beech Grove Hornets Athletics and Indiana University sports. A devoted animal lover, Jim regularly rescued and cared for cats from local shelters, as his mother did before him.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Harrison Reed Jr; his mother, Gladys Reed, nee Gant; and his older brother Benjamin Harrison Reed III; his cousin, Donald Reed.

Jim is survived by his ex-wife, Sherry Reed, his sister-in-law, Dottie Reed, his nieces, Kim Reed and Dorothy Reed, cousins, David (Karen) Reed, Janice (Garry) Hougland, and John (Brenda) Reed and many friends.

A gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 10AM – 12PM, with a burial will follow at the family plot at Acton Cemetery. Arrangements are by Little & Sons Funeral Home, Beech Grove.

Memorials may be given to Indianapolis Animal Care Services at FriendsofIndyAnimals.org or at the VA at VA.Gov