James Reese

James Edward Reese, 84, of New Philadelphia, died on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at the Truman House (Community Hospice), following a period of declining health.

He was born on October 4, 1934 and raised in Roswell, Ohio. His parents were the late Elizabeth “Lizzie” (McKnight) and Edward “Bailey” Reese.

Jim was a 1953 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. He was a member of the Quaker basketball, football and track teams. One of the memorial football lockers at the Quaker Stadium was named in his honor.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia for many years, and he also attended the Otterbein United Methodist Church in recent years.

Jim married Barbara (Major) on March 19, 1955, and they resided in the New Philadelphia area during their entire 63 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jamie (Ken) Miller of Fayetteville, Georgia; a son, Brad (Cheryl) Reese of Pomeroy, Ohio; a grand-daughter, Kellie (Jonathan) McCormick of McDonough, Georgia; a sister, Ramona Erwin of New Philadelphia; sisters-in-law, Salli White of Norman, Oklahoma and Nancy Reese of Louisville, Ohio; his close friend and buddy, Randy (Jodi) Yoder of Atwood Lake; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his pet dog, Cocoa.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Lindwood and Raymond, and a sister, Margaret.

Jim was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers and Indians, and he also enjoyed Akron Zips football. He camped for many summers at Atwood Lake. He also enjoyed getting together with longtime friends on Saturday mornings at the Roswell General Store.

He was employed by Porter Plumbing of New Philadelphia in his early years. Later, he was the owner/operator of Reese Excavating for many years until his retirement.

Funeral arrangements will be held at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home, 116 Second Street NE, in New Philadelphia. The family will welcome friends at a visitation, which will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 3 to 6 PM. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 2 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Jon Long officiating. A reception will immediately follow at the Geib Family Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations should be made to your favorite charity.