James “Jim” Arthur Reid was born in South Carolina on June 7, 1933, the son of the late Arthur Joseph and Daisy Grace Reid. On May 24, 1969, he was united in marriage to Janice Evon Hudson, who survives. Jim departed this life on May 30, 2019, at the age of 85 years, 11 months, and 23 days.
Jim served his country in the United States Army in Korea, where he received a Purple Heart, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, and a National Defense Service Medal. After serving, Jim worked as a truck driver for 30 years. During those years, he worked for many companies including Allis Chamblers and Culligan, both in Illinois, and Dallas Carriers in Texas. In his lifetime, Jim lived in Chicago, Illinois for 12 years and Savannah, Tennessee for 40 years. Jim attended Northside Baptist Church and Church on the Rock in Savannah, Tennessee and was a founder of Rhema Ministries, a ministry created for the homeless. He loved being a Christian, which he showed in his love for studying the Bible, helping others, and volunteering for different organizations including the American Cancer Society and Civil Air Patrol Cadets. He held a single engine pilot’s license and loved classical music. Jim was very patriotic and loved America.
In addition to his wife, Janice, of 50 years, Jim is survived by his son, Michael Sean Reid of Georgia; sisters, Mary Ann Gray of Yatesville, Georgia, Ethel Joyce of Valida, Georgia, Susan Grace of Georgia, and Shirley Patricia of Georgia; and brother, Oscar Jarrell of North Carolina.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronnie Roy, Johnny Troy, Thomas Harold, and Frank Ellis Reid; and a sister, Martha Jean.
