James Willard Reed, known to most as Jim, passed away this week in his home surrounded by family.
Jim was born, the oldest of six children, to Bessie and Allen Reed of Castleberry/ Evergreen (strawberry capital of Alabama) of Conecuh County. It was in his childhood with humble beginnings where he learned the meaning of hard work, providing for his family and enjoying all life had to offer.
Jim served 2 years in the Army, stationed in California as a medical technician. After WWII he continued working for the Veterans Administration in Montgomery before setting out on a series of entrepreneurial endeavors. While living in Montgomery, he met his neighbor and future wife, Farie Mae Yearby. They both shared a keen sense of humor and ambition to make a better life and were wed in 1950. They lived happily for 65 years, producing three daughters, numerous entrepreneurial businesses and volunteer efforts, attended First Baptist Church, and were members of the Alabama State Restaurant Association and the Republican Party.
Jim, in partnership with his wife, developed a chain of Italian restaurants named “Mando’s Italian Food” between 1965 -1986 and Mando’s Catering in 1982- 2000. They took pride in providing good service, good food, and nurtured their employees to the extent of making many partners in the business.
Active in the Alabama State Restaurant Association as a member and State President, Jim was instrumental with others in 1974 starting the first “Taste of Huntsville” which would raise funds to ultimately build and maintain a home in the State Sheriff’s Association Boy’s and Girl’s Ranch.
Always interested in working in the community to improve the quality of life for Alabamians, Jim was a member of the Republican Party participating in many local and national elections (including Reagan in 1982 and George Bush in 1989) to advance the possibility of two parties in Alabama. Close friends with Guy and Helen Hunt, he supported them in their gubernatorial election in 1991 and worked in the campaigns of Emory Folmar in1982 and Fob James in 1995.
Jim participated in the Small Business Association in the 80s and 90s attending meetings in Washington DC. He promoted tourism in the state as an advisor to the Alabama Tourism Board, promoted Forever Wild and efforts to make Cathedral Caverns a major tourist destination. He also participated on the Certificate of Need Board for Medical facilities in Alabama.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Jim spent his life hunting, fishing, enjoying water sports and gardening. Countless hours were spent teaching family and friends how to water ski, bait a hook or develop hunting skills. He and his wife always had a garden that produced the best vegetables shared in “farm to table” fashion long before it became a current trend. It was their lifestyle.
Jim is survived by daughters, Donna Payne, Jane Reed Ross, and Mary Jim Ailor; sons-in-law, Neil J. Ross and Keith Ailor; grandchildren, Matthew Reed Wilkins (Emily Hudson), Jennifer Huff Wilburn, Charlie Wilburn, Sarah Jane Wilkins, Heath J. Ross (Megan Wells), and Ian R. Ross (Bailey Reese); great grandchild, Garrett Wilburn; brothers, John Reed (Ann) of Fayette, Alabama, Phil Reed (Jean) of Franklin, North Carolina, Oscar Reed (Mimi) of Gulf Shores Alabama, Lewis Reed of Ever-green Alabama, In-laws, Theretha and Bobby Harcrow of Columbus, Mississippi; and thirty plus nieces and nephews whom he all loved and nurtured.
Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The memorial service will immediately follow in the chapel with Rev. Mark Seanor officiating.
The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Manna House, a public charity that provides food assistance to those in need, at P. O. Box 1991, Huntsville, 35807. Those attending the services are encouraged to bring canned soup to donate to Manna House as Jim had a legacy of making homemade soup weekly and serving it to needy people at Manna House. The family would love to fill Jim’s utility trailer which will be parked at the funeral home.
