1935
2013
James L. Reid (Jim) was born June 7, 1935 in Longview, Texas, the son of Lynn Allen Reid and Lenna Floyd Reid, died June 18, 2013. Jim was a resident of Bartlett, Tennessee and spent his last months at Methodist Hospice in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 78. The youngest of four children, Jim spent most of his youth living in Texas and Arkansas. One exception was during World War II when he and his family lived in Hanford, Washington. Jim's father was employed with a government project which turned out to be the Manhattan project. After the war, they moved back to Stephens, Arkansas where Jim graduated high school. While visiting Memphis one weekend he went on a blind date and met the girl of his dreams and future wife, Jane Tomlinson. Jim attended one semester at Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas, but could not stand to be away from the love of his life. So he mustered the courage to tell his parents he was quitting school to get get married. Jim and Jane married in 1956 and lived in Arkansas where Jim worked the oilfields. In 1959 the family moved to Memphis where Jim started his career at DuPont, and he and Jane worked together to build the American dream. In 1972, he obtained his general contractor's license and left DuPont to work for a former DuPont co-worker Dewey Price who was now building homes. After a short time, Jim ventured out on his own forming Reid Homes. He built 2 homes that first year and was on his way as a successful businessman and fulfilling the vision he had for his family. In some years, Jim built as many as 100 homes. Since its inception over 2600 homes have been built. In December 2012, Jim was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Memphis Area Home Builders Association. He was a charter member of the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the Bartlett Industrial Board. In 1980 Jim expanded his business with the opening of Reid, REALTORS and was recognized last year as a Realtor-Emeritus by the Memphis Area Association of Realtors in honor of his 40 years of membership. During his career as a builder, Jim Reid also owned Owen Lumber and Designer Cabinets before eventually selling them. Jim Reid was respected throughout the building and business communities as a good, honest man who could wear his jeans and t-shirt with a cigar in his mouth to dig a home's foundation in the morning and then be in a suit and tie to meet with the bankers in the afternoon. Jim was an avid fisherman who enjoyed deep sea fishing on the Gulf as well as crappie fishing in area lakes. His favorite spot was the Tunica Cut-Off where it was said he did most of his best planning and thinking at the end of a fishing pole. At the end of the day, he would give away most of his fish and head home with a bucketful of ideas. He was a faithful University of Memphis Tigers basketball fan and attended many games and tournaments with family and friends. His loving wife of 56 years predeceased him just 4 1/2 months ago. He is survived by his son James L. Reid, Jr. (Metra); a daughter, Ronda Reid Jacques (Gary); 6 grandchildren, Michael Jacques (Rachel), James Baker, Matthew Reid (Sarah), Josh Baker, Aaron Jacques and Chelsea Reid. He also leaves his sisters Jo Staggs of Stephens, Arkansas and Dot Waller of Jacksonville, Texas. His eldest sister, Ann Hensley of Houston, Texas predeceased him. Jim Reid was a family man, a wise and quiet man to whom people listened, a loving man, of honesty and integrity who will be missed by his family, friends, business associates and all of his dedicated employees both past and present. The family will receive friends Friday evening, June 21 from 5-7 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22 at the funeral home with interment to follow in Memorial Gardens. The family requests that any memorials be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or Methodist Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 30, 2013
Lenna Burton
James and Ronda:
I was so sad to hear the news of Jim's passing. Nothing is harder than saying goodbye to someone you love. May you and your family find comfort in your loving memories of your Dad.
Love,
Lenna and Bob Burton
June 22, 2013
Mott Jones
I was sorry to hear of Jim's death. He was a good builder and good customer
June 21, 2013
Dear James, You and your family (Rachel included) have my deepest sympathies. I met your father when Anderson Humphreys and I came to call on him as a prospective client for Anderson's brand new ad agency, Humphreys, Ink. At that time Jan Hughes was doing some work for your father's company, and she had recommended that we meet with him. He was very gracious from the moment we met him, and as you know, we eventually began to do his advertising and marketing. Whenever I see a Reid Realtor yard sign, I remember your father and the years that we spent working with him and you. Though I never knew him well, personally, I always thought my association with him was a very good one, and I enjoyed visiting with him on the several occasions that we called on him at your Bartlett office. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet him and do business with him. He was a fine person, and he has left you and your sister and all your family a wonderful legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Curt Guenther, Memphis
June 21, 2013
Jim Reid Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jim Reid Family Bartlett, Tn.
Billy and Shirley Jefcoat Memphis, Tn.
June 20, 2013
Diane Rath
Ronda, I am so sorry for your lost. I know the many lovely memories you have of your dad will always keep him close to your heart.
June 20, 2013
Ron Sklar
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's death. He was a really nice guy. My most vivid memory of Jim was on top of a ditch witch digging a footing across from my house.... even though he could have probably gotten anyone else to do it at a fraction of what his time was worth. Of course, cost wasn't the point at all. I know these has been trying times for your family, and I want to offer my sincere condolences.
June 20, 2013
Vickie Allen
Many years before we were fortunate enough to have you join our family, Chelsea, we often heard stories about your Dede from my mother-in-law who coincidentally worked for him for several years. A very well-respected man who was fair, kind and honest. Who can ask for a better legacy? Love you, sweetheart.
June 20, 2013
Solon/Evelyn Tomlinson
He was both family and friend He will be missed by all who knew him So sorry for your loss
June 20, 2013
Bobbi Gillis
James, Jerry and I were so sad to hear of Jim's passing. We were very fond of Jim and Jane and have such wonderful memories of our fun times together. I know this has been difficult for your family and we want to offer our sincere condolences.
Bobbi and Jerry Gillis.
June 19, 2013
Tammy Rankine
Ronda, I am so sad for your loss, but what a blessing that your Dad is pain free and with Jesus in heaven! It is hard for the family left behind but he is in such a wonderful place now! God bless you and yours as you cope with the loss. Love, Tammy
June 19, 2013
Betty Mitchell
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Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133
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