James A. Reinemann

This is very sad news. I knew Jim many years ago when he spent a single year at Valparaiso University. We spent many hours playing hearts and otherwise fooling around as young people do. Every now and then, we must have studied a litle. A good man, of whom I have many fond memories. I rememeber visiting his home in DeKalb on Labor Day weekend in 1967 (?) when I was in the area and meeting his parents and siblings. A wonderful family. In fact, when DeKalb went to the state basketball tournament in 1968 or 1969 one of Jim's brothers and a couple of friends, who came down for the tournament games, stayed in our basement in Champaign for a couple of nights. When I moved east I lost touch with Jim, but curiously met his family's former minister in DeKalb in Kansas several years ago where he had retired. Small world. On a whim today I looked for Jim on the internet and I found this very said and depressing news. I wish I had not waited so long to search for him. He clearly had a wonderful life; thank God for that. I send my condolences to all the members of his fine family. God bless you all.

Joel Bussert, New York, New York

Dear Reinemann family. I was deeply saddened when I learned of Jim's tragic accident & passing!
Please accept my sincere condolences; and my prayer that God will comfort & strengthen you in the months ahead.
Debbie, you will have to reach way back 45+ years to remember me. I was classmate and friend to Jim ("Reino" as we called him) during DeKalb H.S. and NIU days. I got to know you through Jim during those college years in the mid 60's. Reino and the rest of our crazy group of guys that hung together had great fun going to sporting,events, playing cards, enjoying late night coffee runs, and teasing each other without mercy. I can never forget playing many "Hearts" card games at the Reinemann house, with Jim's curious younger sibblings always around making their presence known.
Thank you for the picture gallery that is on Jim's "Dignity" site. It is emotional to see Reino in the younger days, and great to see him in later years partaking in outdoor adventures
and enjoying his beautiful family.
I am also thankful for this electronic guest books where we can post our memories and share in your grief. It is obvious from all that is written here, that he touched many people and was dearly loved!
All the Lord's blessings to Debbie, Helen, and the rest of Jim's loved ones!

To the Reinemann family: We have known Jim since our elementary school days in DeKalb, and respected Dr. and Mrs. Reinemann senior, for bringing up such a wonderful family. We saw more of Jim through our Ellwood School, Junior High, High School and days at N.I.U. and then visited every 5 years at our class reunions.......He ALWAYS had a story to tell, with a constant smile on his face. He was a family man who was proud of his wife, children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. By these photos, we can understand his love of nature and we thank him for "introducing" us to Blue Lake in northern Wisconsin where the senior Reinemann family vacationed years ago. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all and may he rest in peace. Sincerely, Jim ("Toby") and Sharon Modglin. (Genoa, IL.)

Deb, Karla, and all of Jim's family -- I just don't have the words. What a great guy. I'm just getting this news today and am shocked by the loss of such a vibrant person. Jim, you are loved and missed. You all are in our prayers.

Debbie -
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Jim's death. You are in my thoughts.