James Francis Reynolds Jr.

James Francis Reynolds Jr., known lovingly as JF, Jimmy, Wilma, Papa Mess, Jay, and Jim, passed away on October 16, 2026, just four days before his 60th birthday. He spent his final moments surrounded by love, with his daughters, sisters, brother, and father by his side and his favorite music playing, including “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by the Rolling Stones.

Born in Troy, New York, on October 20, 1966, to James Francis Reynolds Sr. and Nancy Diane Kellogg-Reynolds, Jim was the eldest of four siblings: Sarita, Adam, and Allyson. He deeply admired his father and mother and carried that love and respect throughout his life. Jim grew up in Beverly, Massachusetts, where he attended Pingree School. He notably played baseball, hockey, and basketball, balancing school and athletics while also working at a restaurant alongside his mother. He established a group of lifelong friends, calling themselves “The Messes,” and he was the leader of the pack. He went on to Union College, where he played baseball and joined the Psi Upsilon fraternity. His Psi U days remained among his most cherished memories, giving him lifelong friendships and an endless supply of stories. Depending on who he was telling, he may also have been president, treasurer, or perhaps both. With Jimmy, a little embellishment was part of his charm.

After college, Jim began his career at MetLife in Manhattan, launching a career in finance and sales that would take him around the world. His career brought him to Boston, where he lived aboard a boat that he named the Wilma, after himself, of course. He eventually met Andrea, whom he married, and together they built a life that took them to London and eventually San Francisco. Jim and Andrea shared a passionate love that, while not without its challenges, brought them many beautiful memories and, most importantly, their two daughters, Ava and Taylor.

He held leadership roles at several companies, most notably LoanPerformance and CoreLogic, where he served as Senior Vice President of Capital Markets. He later became CEO of LenderBlocks. His work brought not only professional accomplishments but also lasting friendships, travel, and adventure (and lots of parties). His travels took him all over the world; throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia, feeding his curiosity and giving him even more stories to bring home.

Alongside his successful career, Jim was a deeply present and involved father. He volunteered as a trustee and board treasurer of Children’s Day School, playing an instrumental role in helping the school purchase the building from which both Taylor and Ava would graduate. His love of baseball led him to introduce Ava to Little League, where he coached her team for nearly six years, a time he remembered among his happiest.

He encouraged both daughters’ love of music and dance, especially supporting Taylor’s passion for performing and encouraging her to share her voice at school showcases. He took an interest in what mattered to them, showed up, and made sure they knew how proud he was. He was their biggest cheerleader and made them feel like they were the only girls in the world.

Jim lived fully. He was the life of the party, a friend to all, and someone who formed connections everywhere he went. His humor, warmth, and unmistakable personality left lasting impressions on the people who knew him. Across every chapter of his life, he made friendships that endured.

His family includes his beloved daughters, Taylor and Ava; his father, James; his mother, Nancy; his siblings, Sarita, Adam, and Allyson; Allyson’s husband, Harlow; and his niece and nephew, Ryan and Liam Burgess. He also leaves countless friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him. Taylor and Ava will carry forward their father’s legacy: to embrace adventure, welcome people into their lives, laugh often, and make the most of the time they have. He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.

A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 12:15pm at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery, located at 10940 East Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85248. The burial ceremony will follow the service at 1:30pm and a reception will be held at 2pm with light refreshments and snacks to gather and share memories of Jim’s never-a-dull-moment life.