James Buchanan Reed

1943 - 2026

Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle—died peacefully at Wesley Palms on March 28, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy defined by a lifetime of intellectual curiosity, music, and generosity.

A graduate of the UC Berkeley School of Engineering, Jim began his career as a supervisor at Bell Labs and later served as Chief Engineer at General Dynamics, where he contributed to the development of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile in the 1980s. In 1998, at the age of 55, he left engineering to pursue his passion for the clarinet full-time.

Jim was an integral contributor to the San Diego Coastal Communities Concert Band for decades and was revered by his dozens of clarinet students over the years. He brought his love for the clarinet to all who were around him and will be remembered fondly by the woodwind community.

To everyone who knew him, Jim was friendly and outgoing, always wanting to stop and say hi. He loved engaging in conversations from simple chit chat, all the way up to very deep thought-provoking discussions.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Betty Brogan Reed; his daughters, Stephanie Reed (Andy Pietanza) and Natalie Strom (Justin Strom); and his grandchildren, Elliot and Ari Strom. He was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Courtney Thomas. He is also survived by his two sisters, Andrea Speck-Zulak and Naida Reed. Jim will be deeply missed by his family and friends.