James Russell Reed, 66, passed peacefully from this life July 3, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.
He was preceded in death by parents, Woodie Russell Reed and Iona Parker Reed of Hatton Alabama, brother, Billy Kidd, sister Brenda Merrell and baby twin sister Judy Faye Kidd.
He is survived by his devoted wife Philda Starks-Reed, sons, Heath Reed (Shannon), Micah Reed (Janet), daughter, Victoria Yasson (Zach), grandchildren, McClain Reed, Eli Reed, Emma Reed, Harrison Reed, Makinley Moore, Evan Reed, Mavery Jones, and Maddox Yasson, sisters, Grace Dean (Buddy) and Ellen Brackin (Phillip), and stepson, Ian Starks.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 1:00pm at First Baptist Church of Decatur with Dr. Blake Kersey officiating with burial in Center Springs Cemetery, Somerville, Al. Visitation will be from 11:00am until service time on Tuesday at the church.
Pallbearers will be Sam Brackin, McClain Reed, Eli Reed, Harrison Reed, Evan Reed, and Jim Vaughn.
James graduated from Hatton High School and was employed as a chemist by Champion Paper. After retiring he went to work for Lowes Decatur where he met Philda. He was loved by his fellow Lowes employees as he was always willing to help wherever he saw a need.
James and Philda married in 2017. Their years together were short and had many health ups and downs, but James never complained or lost his smile and love for others, his church, or his God.
James was a member of First Baptist Church, Decatur and loved his church family. All who knew him there loved his smile, sweet demeanor and dedication to attending even when it was difficult.
James was a talented woodworker and committed to perfection. He helped his children with many home construction and renovation projects and insisted they learn beside him as he worked.
He loved his home with Philda and enjoyed mowing the yard past times when he was fully able. He always insisted on mowing his neighbor Miss Jean’s yard before starting on his own.
James loved good food and began cooking as a youngster. He was as much of a perfectionist at cooking as in his woodwork, so his food was loved and enjoyed by friends and family.
A special thanks to James’s sister Ellen Brackin and close friend and teacher Carloss Bauer for their dedication to helping Philda through the last weeks of his life.
His family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley for the kindness and gentle care he received from his nurses and attendants.
