James Walter Reist

Avon:

James Walter Reist, Sr., 71, passed away August 1, 2014. Jim was born on April 28, 1943 in Portland, IN to the late John S. Reist Sr., and Jack and Mary E. (Ramey) Bunch. He was blessed to have an amazing Step-father.

Jim honorably served his county in the U.S. Navy from 1960-1964. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge #440 for 27 years and a member of the Scottish Rite for many years.

Jim was a loving husband, father, step-father, brother, son, teacher and friend to all who knew him and will be sadly missed. He was an overall fun loving man who loved his family to the fullest and drew upon his close relations with his many friends.

Jim, along with his late wife of 31 years, Treva L. (Waugh) owned TJ Trim and Upholstery for 30 years. Jim was a skilled mechanic, laborer and handy-man where his passion for finding old things and making them new again spoke to his many talents. While his primary residence was in Avon, Jim and Treva could always be found at their secondary home at Van Bibber Lake in Greencastle Indiana. Jim loved being on the water fishing and boating. There he put his handy-man skills to work on their home, property, boats and golf carts; but spent most of his time helping neighbors and friends. Jim and his late wife spent most of their time entertaining family and friends and really enjoyed their life. He also showed a love for competition bow shooting, hunting and bowling. Jim was very skilled in all that he did, from work to play, and will live on through those he taught.

Jim is survived by his loving children: Melanie (David) Brunner, Jamie (Douglas) Brim, James W. Reist, Jr., Jayson (Amy) Reist; step-children: Troy (Cheryl) Franklin, Sr. and Teresa Franklin; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and siblings: Myrtle Davis and John Reist Jr.

Jim was also very blessed to have spent the last year of his life with a long-time friend Jo Ann Smither. They created many memories and Jim enjoyed their time together along with her amazing family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife Treva of 31 years; sister Catherine Bowen; and grandson Joseph Brunner.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 8, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Crown Hill Funeral Home with the service beginning at 4:00 p.m. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family you may do so by visiting www.crownhill.org.