James Ronald Reed

At the young age of 84, James Ronald Reed passed away peacefully from a long lingering illness of Alzheimer's disease on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at his home in Pocatello, Idaho. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Jim and his identical twin brother, Bob, were born on March 16, 1939, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Hilma C. and Ronald I. Reed.

They moved to Albion, Idaho, where his father was the Dean of the Teacher College. The twins were known by everyone on campus. It was there where they learned and loved to play sports. The family moved in 1951 to Pocatello, Idaho where his mother and father were well known educators in Pocatello.

The twins were inseparable and were outstanding athletes. They exhibited unique traits and strong, admirable characteristics that helped them excel in sports. They had self-confidence and always believed they would win. They were highly motivated by the desire to be better and worked diligently on their skills and goals. They were known as the "Reed Twins" and everyone loved watching them play. Still to this day, people talk about the "Reed Twins" and how talented they were.

Jim attended Franklin Junior High and graduated in 1957 from Pocatello High School. He was on undefeated football and basketball teams. His senior year, he received the "All-around Athlete" award along with his brother, Bob. He was part of the 1957 Basketball Team and received an award, "The Legions of the Past" in Boise, Idaho. He participated in American Legion Baseball and fast pitch softball where he won a state championship.

In the summer of 1955, he graduated from the National American Red Cross Aquatics School. Later he was a lifeguard at the Ross Park Pool and was credited with saving the life of a young man who was drowning after hitting his head at the pool. He later attended Idaho State University and spent one year on the ISU Men's Basketball Team where he played as a guard.

Jim met the love of his life Sandra Rae Peterson in 1953. They dated through high school and later were married on June 25, 1960. Although they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year, they have been together for 70 years.

Over the years, Jim and Sandy were blessed with four children, Bart, Scott, Kelly, and Robbie. A home filled with love, discipline, accountability, and joy. There was nothing more important in life than their family. Jim was an involved father who loved his children. At a young age, he learned the importance of hard work and he instilled that same work ethic in his children. He taught them to have integrity, work hard, to always do what is right even if that may be difficult, and to save their money. He also believed that a handshake was a binding contract. He took the kids hunting, fishing, swimming, and loved to do anything outdoors. During the early years of raising the children they acquired a summer place in Mackay, Idaho. The children yearned for the weekends because they knew where they were going. Jim and Sandy loved to fish! The children have fond memories of the weekend adventures of roasting hotdogs, marshmallows, hunting, wading, and fishing the Big Lost River and diversion dam, learning to drive on the country roads, sitting around the campfire with family and friends, and enjoying their mom's home cooking.

Jim and Sandy were always involved and supporting in their children's activities. Whether that was in church, school, sports, or dance, they never missed an event. He mentored his children to be the best they can be.
   
Along with working at the pool, Jim worked for Meadow Gold Dairies and later entered the business of selling Life Insurance. He worked for New York Life Insurance and then transferred to Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. He earned several awards and was "Man of the Year" in 1980 for the State of Life Insurance Underwriter Association. Jim later left selling life insurance to go into business with his sons who were already operating B&S Lawn Care. Jim loved working with his sons, being outdoors and enjoyed talking with all the customers. It was always important to him that the customers knew how much he appreciated their business and that they were happy with their service. Jim retired from B&S Lawn Care.

Jim and Sandy are proud grandparents to 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren with another baby boy coming in February 2024. Jim has always loved teasing the grandchildren and giving them long talks about getting their education and saving their money. He loved firmly shaking their hands and telling them, "You are getting there or man you are weak." He also loved a good match of arm wrestling and rarely lost. He always thought he was the funniest person in the room and would make everyone laugh because he would laugh at his own jokes.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Hilma C. and Ronald I. Reed, his twin brother, Robert Reed. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, his children Bart Reed (Tina), Scott Reed (Lisa), Kelly Reed Dial (Paul), Robbie Reed (Karen), 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren (one on the way).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to help fight Alzheimer's Foundation act.alz.org in dedication to James Ronald Reed. There will be a private Celebration of Life with the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Condolences may be sent to the family to the address above or online at www.cornelisonfh.com
208-232-0542

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