James H. 'Jim' Reed
Aug. 10, 1935 — March 22, 2011
MONTROSE — Longtime Montrose resident, James H. "Jim" Reed, passed away Tuesday evening, March 22, 2011, at his son's home in Montrose. James H. Reed was born Aug. 10, 1935, in Jackson, Mo. to Frederick O. and Agnes (Clack) Reed. Jim was fondly known as Laddie by longtime friends and family and spent most of his childhood and attended school in Kansas City, Mo., graduating from East High School in Kansas City with the class of 1953. On May 3, 1957, Jim married the love of his life, Dixie June Herndon, in Kansas City, Mo. Jim and Dixie spent 38 wonderful years of marriage before Dixie passed away on Aug. 21, 1995, in Dumont, Colo.
Jim and Dixie lived in Kansas City until 1984, when they moved to Montrose, Colo., to accompany Best Manufacturing, as Jim was a longtime employee. Jim was a proud member of the National Guard-Company A, 110th Engineer Combat Battalion, Sgt. 1st Class, receiving a Distinguished Service award in May 1957. Jim proudly served in the National Guard from Jan. 12, 1953 to Jan. 11, 1959. Jim loved to spend time with his family, camping, fishing and traveling. He was a past member of the Elks Club and was also a member of the ROTC in high school.
Surviving family members include his sons, John (Deb) Johnston of Greenwood, Mo. and James (Angela) Reed II of Montrose, Colo.; his daughters, Penny (Howard) Gilbert of Shawnee Mission, Kan., Karen Short of Las Vegas, Nev. and Phyllis (Jeff) Snider of Denver, Colo.; and his sister, Phyllis (Don) Hinkle of Lathrop, Mo. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Dixie June Reed; his brother, Richard "Dick" Reed of Kansas City, Mo.; and his parents. Jim was also a beloved and devoted grandfather of 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, who all adore him.
A vistitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2011, at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service, in loving memory of Jim, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Grand View Cemetery, with full military honors.
Memorial contributions, in loving memory of Jim, may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402 or American Heart Association of Colorado, 1280 South Parker Rd., Denver, CO 80231. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
