Dr James Wallace Reese, 90, of Ann Arbor, passed Sunday, October 7, after a brief illness. Jim was born July 2, 1928 in Highland Park, Michigan, to the late Ralph and Clarice (Turner) Reese. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Turner Reese. He is survived by his wife Antonia Lee (Frazer) who devoted to him so much love and care for 54 years and through his final days and hours. Dear Father of Matthew (Laura Cinat) of Evanston, Illinois; Gregory (Carolyn Bacon) of East Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Elizabeth (Ashu Kaushal) of Smithfield, Rhode Island; beloved Uncle to Marilyn Milone of La Habra, California; David Reese of Spring City, Pennsylvania and Debbie Reese, of Canton, Michigan; as well as seven grandchildren.
A distinguished clinician, Jim was an Assistant Professor Emeritus of Dentistry at the University of Michigan, where he inspired countless graduate orthodontic students with his energy and devotion to clinical excellence. After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, he graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1953 and served as a dentist in the U.S. Navy until 1955. Jim completed his MS in orthodontics at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1959. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics in 1974, served as President of the Great Lakes Society of Orthodontists, and held many other leadership and membership positions in the profession. He continued teaching until 1985 and retired from private practice in 2008.
Jim loved tennis, skiing, sailing, collecting wine, and playing bridge. An avid conversationalist and debater, he had a unique and humorous way with words, usage, terms, and phrases. Known by his family as “Dadisms,” they live on and will always summon warm recollection. Jim arose every morning with a can-do spirit, lived each day to the fullest, and made the most of every opportunity with as many people as possible. He was never happier than when among his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Jim will be announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ann Arbor Community Dental Center.
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