James Winton Reedy

This is not a typical obituary.

• Could we tell you that Jim was predeceased by his father, Lawrence (Mote) Reedy, and his mother, Florence Evelyn Reedy, as well as his wife, Diane Lamonde? Yes

• Could we also tell you that he is survived by his 2 brothers, Richard and William Reedy, his sister, Patsy Wecker, the mother of his children, Susan Reedy, as well as his three sons, Jason, Joshua, and Jacob Reedy, and his 9 biological grandchildren? Sure

• Could we share with you that he graduated from Hononegah High School, went to University of IL where he was drafted into the military? That he served honorably in the US Army and returned to get his undergraduate degree at Northern Illinois University, De Kalb, then go on to work on his masters at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater? We could…

• Could we then go on to list a lifetime of other accomplishments from his time at Regal Beloit, his tenure at JL Clark, his ownership of a successful Canopy franchise in Maryland, to the myriad of events and accomplishments that followed? Absolutely

All we’d be providing is a checklist of people that will miss him and places that formed him and not an actual measure of the man who passed. We’d rather focus on who Jim was as that is who will truly be missed by those who loved him.

For those who knew him, Jim had a big heart and was quick with a joke. He had that mid-western sensibility that turned strangers into friends with a smile and a few words.

As charismatic as he could be, he was also as stubborn as the donkey that represented his least favorite Political Party. He loved to argue policy and was a spirited debater. He probably missed his calling as a politician because he was the first to tell you that he knew what needed to be done to fix all that ailed America. While he could argue with the best of them, he never forgot that what makes America great is that his right to speak his “truth” was just as protected as his opponents right to speak theirs (regardless of how “wrong” they may be. )

He loved family and friends with all his heart but faced his own demons. While he had that charisma that people loved to engage with, he was also filled with insecurities about who he was and what he deserved. He was the first to offer help when he could but the last to accept it when he needed it.

As he got older, his needs became less. All he needed was his wife by his side, a full cocktail, and some entertaining conversation and he was happy. Spending time with relatives, sharing a joke, and engaging with old friends about the current state of affairs was what he looked forward to.

His love and how his struggles formed him were some of the most important lessons he taught us about the journey of life. Watching how he treated others while struggling with his own battles and ultimately accepting who he was took both understanding and courage.

We will miss him greatly but know he is sitting at Grandpa’s bar with Jeff and Darrel listening to Grandma read him the riot act with Diane by his side. Rest in peace Dad…

In honor of our Dad, feel free to share any memories or more importantly continue the debate in the comments… Much love to all…

Sincerely,

Jason, Joshua, and Jacob Reedy