James Ivey Reaves

James “Jim” Ivey Reaves, a dedicated public servant, passionate advocate for Texas agriculture, and beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, passed away of natural causes on Friday, August 8th, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Known for his warm smile, heartfelt greetings, and unwavering commitment to others, Jim left an indelible mark on his community, colleagues, and loved ones.

Born to Les and Karla Reaves in Plainview, Texas, Jim grew up in Gatesville, Texas where he attended and graduated Gatesville High School. From a young age he showed a deep respect for hard work, civic duty, and the values of rural Texas. A proud graduate of The University of Texas, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Government in 1997, Jim carried his love for Longhorn football with him throughout his life. He was also an avid baseball fan, skilled BBQ pitmaster, and a knowledgeable gun collector.

Jim began his career in the Texas Capitol in 1991 in the Texas House Sergeant at Arms office, where he was soon promoted to night supervisor. It was in this first job, while still in college, that he came to love the Texas Capitol and Texas politics.

Jim’s professional career spanned more than 25 years in state government and association leadership, with a focus on legislative affairs, public safety, and advocacy for rural communities and agriculture. His career in the Legislature included service as Chief Committee Clerk for Chairman Bob Turner in the House Committee on Public Safety from 1999–2003 and later as Chief of Staff to State Representative Gene Seaman from 2003–2006. He went on to lead legislative and regulatory efforts for the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association for a decade, where he was instrumental in protecting the interests of the green industry and agriculture in Texas.

From 2016 to 2018, Jim served as State Legislative Director for the Texas Farm Bureau, where he championed the concerns of farmers and ranchers across the state. In 2019, he joined the Texas Department of Agriculture as Coordinator for Intergovernmental Relations, Emergency Management, and Homeland Security, also serving as an Infrastructure Liaison Officer. Most recently, in 2024, Jim brought his expertise to the Texas General Land Office as State Legislative Director.

Throughout his career, Jim was recognized for his professional excellence, receiving awards from the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas for his work improving the lives of peace officers and their families, and from the Texas Society of Association Executives for his exceptional contributions to association management.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim had a heart for service in his personal life. He was a founding member of the Sine Die Smokers BBQ team and helped raise over $400,000 for college scholarships through the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo BBQ Cook Off. His kindness, generosity, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life defined his character.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Glynis; his sister, Karen Reaves Kerr, and her husband, Chad Kerr, and their daughter, Poppy, of Fort Worth; his parents, Les and Karla Reaves of Gatesville; and his grandmother Elsie Park of Dripping Springs, Texas He was preceded in death by his grandparents, C.L. “Dady” and Eunice Reaves, Sergeant Major John Robert Park, John and Obera Godwin, as well as bonus grandparents Dan and Isolde Hoell.

Jim’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the causes he championed, and the example he set of kindness, dedication, and service to the State of Texas.

Arrangements:

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held with a service at Central Christian Church (1110 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701) on Saturday, August 16th, 2025, at 11:00 am.

Burial services will be held on Sunday, August 17th, 2025, in Gatesville, Texas, at Restland Cemetery (2201 Waco St., Gatesville, Texas 76528) at 1:00 pm. The family will receive guests for fellowship at The Gathering on Main next to Scott’s Funeral Home immediately following the graveside service (2429 E. Main St, Gatesville, Texas 76528).

In honor of Jim's cherished Longhorns, feel free to wear burnt orange, knowing that it will bring a smile to his face as we celebrate his life and love for the University of Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This organization was deeply meaningful to Jim, and he supported it faithfully each month. We hope to honor his memory by continuing to support a cause that meant so much to him. https://t2t.org/donate/