James J. Reba

James (Jim) Reba , 75, of Dighton, MA, passed away in his sleep on Jan. 22, at his home. He was born in Hazleton, PA, on March 3, 1945, to the late Mary (Simasek) Reba and John G. Reba. He was married to Marie (Accettullo) Reba (a.k.a. Moo Moo) and they remained life partners for 43 years until her death. He is survived by his daughter Meredith Reba, and many beloved nephews and nieces, some who knew him as “Uncle Spike”, because of his muscular build which was dense and heavy “as a railroad spike” even as a newborn.

Jim was a graduate of Cathedral High School in Denver, Colorado and Virginia Tech (Bachelors of Business Administration) where he played center on the university football team. One of the highlights of his football career was playing the Miami Hurricanes in the Liberty bowl in 1966, only the second time that Virginia Tech had played in a bowl game since the team’s inception in 1892. His fandom for the Hokies remained throughout his life, and he became known at family gatherings for his good-natured heckling of nieces and nephews who went to rival schools--always while outfitted in excessive Virginia Tech swag.

After graduating, he joined the Navy and served as a second class officer on the USS Joseph Taussig DE-1030 for 4 years during the Vietnam War. His crew zigzagged across the Atlantic, sailing from the New England waters to the Caribbean down to the tip of South America--once narrowly escaping capsize in a storm by 1 degree of tilt. After serving, Jim took a job at Grossman’s Lumber, while studying at Babson College at night to earn his Masters of Business Administration, where he graduated with distinction. His attention to detail and his diligence made him a naturally gifted accountant, and he was hired at Hasbro Playskool in 1977 and worked there for most of his career, as Director of Operations. He wrapped up his working years by starting a small consulting company called Direct Import Advisors.

Jim was not a trifler, and even pursued his hobbies with unwavering commitment. He was always on the first chair of the day, when skiing in New Hampshire, meticulously keeping track of his runs. His very first car, a 1969 American Motors AMX, was lovingly restored and re-restored during the 50 years he kept it in his garage. His office was chock full of intricate model boats, that his skilled hands spent thousands of hours tooling and assembling. His backyard vegetable garden, overflowing with tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and his prized green beans, were shared with neighbors on Rowland Drive and friends at Baker’s beach in Westport. In late summer, he retreated to secret shaded groves to forage plushies, redtops, and stumpers, the way his father taught him.

Jim was deeply dedicated to his family--including his dogs Ranger (the woods wanderer), Spike (the faithful companion), Bridgette (the bed-wetter), and Boomer (his scrappy sweetheart). He loved family reunions and holidays--eagerly breaking out boxes of decorations and baking dozens of Christmas cookies as soon as December arrived. Though he was a serious man, kids were surprisingly drawn to him and brought out his playful side. Through multiple serious illnesses (his wife’s and his own), he was steadfast, devoted, and determined. His loud voice, Slovak cooking, and meandering story-telling will be missed by all who knew him best.

A small wake will be held at the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Cherry Place in Fall River on Wednesday, January 27, from 5-7pm, and a private graveside committal service at 11:00AM on Thursday. Considering the pandemic, the service will also be streamed online at the link below. Jim greatly admired his health care providers, so in appreciation, the family requests donations be sent to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or American Heart Association, in lieu of flowers. Graveside committal service livestream link: https://meet.jit.si/RebaCommittalService012521