James Conway Rees

James Conway Rees, 92, of Richmond, passed peacefully Tuesday, April 26, 2011 due to congestive heart failure. Conway was preceded in death by his wife, Kitty, to whom he was married for 61 years. He is survived by his two sons, James C. Rees, IV of Mount Vernon, VA and George C. Rees and his wife, Cynthia of Atlanta. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Cameron Rees of Damascus, VA and Courtney Rees of Atlanta.

After graduating from VPI in 1939, Conway was an Army officer in World War II, serving in the Pacific. He joined the Army Reserves and retired as a colonel. Conway worked for the State of Virginia for 44 years with a tenure as Director of State Personnel, and he helped negotiate the first statewide health insurance system. He and Kitty were lifetime members of the Richmond Country Club, where they played golf and tennis until just a few years ago.

A memorial service will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 903 Forest Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Online condolences at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.