James "Jimbo" Reed

James (Jimbo) William Reed was born on February 15th, 1932, in Coles County, Illinois to Carroll and Emma Reed. As a child, he spent much of his time exploring the outdoors as his father was a farmer and the family lived on the various farms that he was employed at. His father’s love of farming also allowed for the family to travel to many different places as he looked for jobs. It was perhaps these things that fostered James’s love for outdoor adventures and exploration. 

James married Shirley Ann Hinchman on May 11th, 1963, in Connersville, Indiana. They had one daughter, Julia Stewart (Mark) on July 27th, 1969. His family moved about finally settling in Speed, Indiana in 1983. James and his family became members of Speed Memorial Church and he would eventually dedicate much of his time and effort at the church. James was a grandfather to two: Lydia McKinley and George McKinley. 

James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brother, Robert Reed, and sister, Leona Nees. He is survived by his daughter, grandchildren, and sister, Ella Duncan, as well as a niece and several nephews.  

James served in the Navy from 1953 to 1973 on several different ships and was able to visit many different countries; in fact, the only place he didn’t get to see was Alaska. James worked as a Chief Machinery Repairman and retired with a rank of Chief Petty Officer. He also received the Bronze Star and several other medals during his time in the Navy.

After his Naval retirement in 1973 he was employed by Naval Ordnance Station Louisville where e spent his time repairing machines and providing quality assurances while also instructing others to do the same until he retired in 1993. James later started working at AutoZone in 2001 and finally retired, for good, in 2011. James was a dedicated and hardworking employee and received many distinguished awards and certificates from his places of employment. 

James had many interests and hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He played baseball and participated in a bowling league during his service in the Navy. His involvement at Speed Memorial Church included the restructuring of its Constitution and By-Laws, as well as choral singing. James was also a founding member of the Silver Creek High School’s 12th Man Club which brought football back to the school. 

If a man like Jimbo could be summed up in one word, his family and friends would all agree that it would be “love”. He loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was there for them for everything - every struggle, every celebration, every tear, every smile. Jimbo made a point to attend as many sporting events and other school related functions as he could. As a friend, Jimbo loved to support those closest to him. He loved them enough to state his opinion but would always trust them to make their own choices. Jimbo showed that he cared for them through his words and actions. To him, his friends were his second family. 

Jimbo was (and will continue to be) loved by many people; he will be “shirley” missed.

  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the Garr Funeral Home in Sellersburg. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers feel free to make a donation in his honor to Silver Creek High School Athletics (silvercreekathletics.com).