James E. Reed, 86, a former Jacksonville, IL, resident passed away on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in Park Ridge.

He was born Oct. 3, 1937, in Willis, Floyd County, VA, the son of Harvey William and Edna Faye Duncan Reed. He married Jean Piper on Jan. 14, 1967, in Fort Hamilton, NY, and she preceded him in death on Mar. 15, 2012.

He is survived by his two daughters, Victoria (Mark) Michonski and Renee Reed Tearney, and his cherished grandson, Max Michonski, all of Chicago, and Mary Beth Masterson, and his wife's brothers, Tom (Gayle) Piper and Mickey Piper, all of New Jersey, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and one sister and three brothers, Ovilla Faye "Vickie" Ator, Clarence Reed, Harvey Lee Reed (surviving wife Katy of Brooklyn, MI), and their infant brother, Willie Estil Reed.

Mr. Reed graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in 1958 and then began his 23 year career in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959. He was a Vietnam War veteran and as an E9/Master Gunnery Sergeant, his final post was head of security for the US Consulate in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1982, after his retirement from the Marine Corps, he became a corrections officer for the State of Illinois, retiring from that position in 2002. He was a Life Member of the Marine Corps League, being a member of the local chapter West Central Illinois Leathernecks Detachment 1177, and was also involved with the Toys for Tots program for decades. While living in Jacksonville, he had been a member of First Presbyterian Church.

He had a very adventurous spirit, and had travelled to 56 different countries, a favorite being Japan. He was very athletic, especially enjoying tennis and golf. He had a green thumb, was meticulous in taking care of his yard and he could name and nourish back to health any tree, flower and plant! He enjoyed discussing politics, working on old cars, working with stained glass, collecting antiques and traveling in their RV to visit family and friends across the US.

Jim and Jean met in Brooklyn, NY while he was a young Marine recruiter, they eloped after a whirlwind courtship of 3 months and remained inseparable for 45 years. He was a family man, and was very devoted to her, their daughters, their grandson, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The family will meet friends 4-6 p.m. Monday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Memorials are suggested to West Central Illinois Leathernecks or Toys for Tots. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.