William J Rea

William James Rea, 87, of Lynchburg, VA and formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, died Saturday, July 6, 2013, at The Summit Rehabilitation Center. He was the beloved husband of 36 years to Lorraine Bach Rea. Born August 14, 1925, in Baden, PA, he was the son of the late William Ross Rea and the late Sylvia Earhart Rea, both from Baden, PA. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his siblings, Betty Rittleman and Frances Bruss, both residents of Tampa, FL.

Jim graduated from Cornell University in 1948, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then pursued a career with Westinghouse Corporation where he was employed as a Nuclear Engineer for 30 years. One of his most noteworthy endeavors included his design contributions to the development of the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Interestingly, the USS Enterprise was recently retired at the Virginia Naval Yard, after 50 years of continuous service. After Jim retired from Westinghouse, he became very active in his community. He was a member of Forest Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, VA, where he sang in the choir for several years. He also worked as a volunteer at Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's summer home, for many years. Jim Rea was a master gardener in the Bedford, VA extension office. He loved photography and a camera was never far from his reach. His wife, Lorraine, was his favorite subject to photograph on their many trips together.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Rea is survived by his children, Cynthia Nix (Clint) of Manta, Ecuador, Jeffrey Rea (Linda) of Albuquerque, NM, Cheryl Rea Brigham (Marcus) of Quito, Ecuador and William J. Rea, Jr. (Nikki) of Snohomish, WA; six grandchildren, Leah Rea, Ashley Rea, Jayce Rea, Chelise McDonald Lopez, Dustin McDonald and Ivan Brigham; and five great-grandchildren, Melanie Lopez, Austin Lopez, Dustin McDonald, Jr., Melanie McDonald and Jonathan James McDonald.

Jim's smile and love for life will be greatly missed.