News Summary
James Richard Reed, affectionately known as Jim, has passed away at the age of 89 in Woodstock, IL. Surrounded by family, Jim was a beloved father and community member, leaving behind cherished memories with his loved ones and a legacy of compassion and friendship.
Woodstock, IL – James Richard Reed, known fondly as Jim, a respected father and community member, passed away on July 17, 2025, at his home in Woodstock, surrounded by his loving children. He was 89 years old.
Born on April 22, 1936, in Summerfield, Ohio, Jim was the son of Ralph and Hilda Reed. He spent his formative years in Lakemore, Ohio, where he attended school in Springfield Township. As a child, Jim was actively involved in sports and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother, Joe, marking the early years of a life rich with adventure and family bonding.
Jim’s journey of love began when he met his future wife, June Brotherton Reed, during high school. Their relationship blossomed over several years until they married on August 23, 1958, coinciding with Jim’s graduation from Kent State University. Over their 57-year marriage, Jim and June forged a deep friendship, creating a life deeply rooted in companionship.
For most of their marriage, Jim and June lived in the McHenry County area of Illinois, where they cultivated numerous friendships and community ties. Both were devoted members of the First Church of Crystal Lake, where their faith played a pivotal role in their lives and relationships.
Jim enjoyed a successful career in sales and sales management lasting over four decades, where he relished interacting with a diverse range of people. His warm personality and passion for helping others made him a beloved figure in his professional circle. After retiring, he continued to engage with the community through the Enterprise Club and frequented local establishments to meet friends and share experiences.
Beyond work, Jim cherished recreational outings in Door County, Wisconsin, with family and friends. He was also an avid fisherman who enjoyed trips to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, where he would fish at Nags Head with family members, creating joyful memories on those sun-soaked shores.
Jim is survived by his sons, Scott Reed (Leza) and Jeff Reed (Bridgette), daughters Jill (Larry Farino) and Julie Reed, and grandchildren Sierra (Jared Georgakopoulos), Nash Reed, Anthony, Nicholas, and Tyler Farino. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Karen (Roger Plaster), sister-in-law Marianne Brotherton, and a large extended family that cherished him deeply. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June, as well as his parents, brother Joseph (Patricia) Reed, brother-in-law David Brotherton, nephew Craig Reed, and niece Lisa Reed. His loyal canine companion, Gracie Girl, also preceded him.
An opportunity for the community to pay their respects will be held during visitation services on Saturday, July 26, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Davenport Family Funeral Home in Crystal Lake. A funeral service honoring Jim’s life is set for Sunday, July 27, at 2:00 PM, also at the First Church of Crystal Lake. Following the service, a reception and celebration of Jim’s life will take place at the Woodstock Country Club at 5:00 PM, allowing friends and family to gather and remember the cherished memories they shared with Jim.
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The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
