James Allen Reynolds

Allen lived a life filled with faith, music, family, laughter, hard work, and more than a few great adventures.

A gifted musician with an equally gifted analytical mind, Allen earned a double major in Music and Mathematics from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. He later pursued graduate studies in church music at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, completing all but one semester of his master’s program.

Music and ministry remained an important part of Allen’s life. For more than 30 years, he was a member of First Baptist Church of Pasadena, where he played upright bass in the orchestra and electric bass in the praise band. In later years, Allen became a member of First Baptist Church Conroe. Although medical challenges eventually prevented him from serving in many of the ways he would have loved, his heart for ministry never left him. He served as leader of the Uplifters LifeGroup from 2023–2024.

Professionally, Allen worked for LyondellBasell, beginning as a chemical operator and later becoming a Process Specialist. But some of Allen’s greatest influence at work had nothing to do with chemicals or processes. He invested in people. Over the years, coworkers looked to him for wisdom about life, marriage, fatherhood and faith. Some would later say that Allen taught them how to be better fathers—especially how to be a “girl dad.” His influence reached farther than he probably ever realized.

On November 6, 1992, Allen married Teresa Lucas, and together they built a life full of love, laughter and adventure. They traveled, made memories, weathered storms they never could have anticipated, and learned that sometimes the greatest adventures are not the places you go, but the life you build together.

Allen loved his family deeply. He was Dad to Stefani Reynolds Smith and her husband, Patrick; Tiffani Reynolds; and Ryan Dodson and his wife, Kiyoko. And perhaps one of his very favorite titles was “Pops” to one sweet granddaughter, Kimiko.

His family also included two sweet puppies, Maggie and Sunny, who brought him companionship, entertainment and plenty of love.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Johney and Gladys Holliman Reynolds; his brother, David Reynolds; his sister Patricia Hooper and her husband, Gerry; and his brother-in-law, Johnnie Corbin.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa Lucas Reynolds; his children, Stefani Reynolds Smith (Patrick), Tiffani Reynolds, and Ryan Dodson (Kiyoko); his granddaughter, Kimiko; his sister, Becky Corbin; his sister-in-law, Wan-Exa Reynolds; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Kent and Mary Lucas and Darrell and Carolyn Lucas who were a constant source of love and support to Allen and Teresa, especially throughout his final days. As well as brother-in-law, Troy Lucas. He is also survived by a host of extended family members, friends, church family, coworkers and others whose lives are better because Allen was part of them.

Allen’s later years brought extraordinary medical challenges, but those years are not the definition of his life. They became another chapter in a much larger story—a story of perseverance, faith, family, friendship and a life that continued to have purpose.

Those who knew Allen will remember his music, his quick wit and sense of humor, his stories, his wisdom, his faith, and the unmistakable way he loved his family. They will remember a man who could make people laugh, teach without making it feel like a lesson, and leave an influence that remained long after the conversation was over.

Most of all, Allen leaves behind a family who knows just how blessed they were to have loved him and been loved by him.

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

Psalm 126:3

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Conroe Kitchen Ministry, 600 North Main Street, Conroe, Texas 77301

A celebration of Allen’s life will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, at First Baptist Church Conroe, 600 N. Main Street, Conroe, Texas.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the celebration of life at 11:00 a.m.

Following the service, everyone is warmly invited to remain and join Allen’s family for a reception lunch at 12:30 p.m.—a time to eat together, share stories, laugh, remember, and celebrate a life that meant so much to so many.