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James Rea Obituary

REA Dr. James R. Rea, after an honorable battle with Alzheimer's, "slipped the surly bonds of earth, reached out his hand and touched the face of God"..called home for a glorious reunion on Friday, January 8, 2010 at Wooster Community Hospital. Jim was born May 4, 1930 in Marion, Ohio to Philip and Grace (Straw) Rea. He graduated from Marion Harding High School, Otterbein College, The Ohio State University and Ohio University. During more than 30 years at the College of Wooster he served as Chairman of the Speech Department, on many academic committees, and was Director of the Freedlander Speech and Hearing Clinic. He was an avid golfer with a single digit handicap and a tutor at Pittsburgh Avenue Elementary School. Jim was preceded in death by a son Philip Matthews Rea and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Linda (Snyder) Rea; former wife, Elizabeth Rea; children, Jean Marie Rea, Ellen (Wesley) Jacobs, Cabot (Heather) Rea, all of Columbus and Carol (Chris) Brown of Memphis, TN; step-daughter, Allyson (Eric) Gray of Shreve; 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A Memorial and Celebration Service on Saturday January 16 at 3 p.m. at the Westminister Presbyterian Church House on Pine Street in Wooster. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The College of Wooster, Attn: Sally Patton, for Scholarships in Honor of Dr. James Richard Rea, Wooster, OH 44691.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch on Jan. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Rea

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Susan Steinkraus McDaniel

December 5, 2010

Dear family of Dr. Rea,
I didn't hear of his passing until today. I just finished writing him a Christmas card and thought I would google him...I would love to send the card to Cabot as I remember stories about him... Dr. Rea was my number one mentor as a person first and as an SLP second. I have loved that man since I first met him in 1980. My belated sympathy goes to all of you. Know that he lives on in me and so many others.
Respectfully,
Susan Steinkraus McDaniel class of 1984

Nancy Hall

May 13, 2010

Dear Rea family,
I am so saddened to learn of Jim's and Betty's deaths - having lost my dad in January, I know the grief. Aside from my dad, Jim was my first mentor. He gave me so many opportunities to spread my wings and learn! I often pass along to my students, advice that Jim gave me as I embarked on my doctoral dissertation (just a great big IS): 1) Pick a topic you are passionate about and will sustain you, 2) pick a topic that will make a contribution to the field, and 3) the best dissertation is a finished dissertation. Jim Rea will always have a special place in my heart. My sincere condolences.

vicki phelps

January 22, 2010

Our prayers are with you all. You have a great family and are loved by so many. We will be holding all of you up in our prayers. Vicki and Ed Phelps - westerville oh

Deb & John Kingsboro

January 21, 2010

Dear Jean,
Our prayers are with you through this most difficult of times for you and your family. Cherish the many fond memories you have of a long lifetime with your father.
God bless you,

January 20, 2010

Thank you to those of you who have shared your memories of Dad along with your tender thoughts and prayers. It means more than you know.

Carol Rea Brown

January 19, 2010

To the Rea family, especially Linda,

Carroll and I send our condolences to all and our continued best wishes for Linda's recovery.

Regards,
Jimmy Meyer

January 12, 2010

To the Rea family - your father and I arrived on the Wooster campus the same year (1965), and I consider him responsible for the career that I have loved. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I hope to make it to the service in Wooster. Dana Tench, Cleveland Heights, OH

January 11, 2010

Cabot and family, I just heard about your father today and that your mother is dealing with a blood disease,too. My thoughts and prayers go with your family and I know that you will keep your father's legacy alive forever! KC from Circleville

Carol Luper

January 11, 2010

My deepest sympathy to Cabot and the Rae Family!
So sorry to hear of your loss!
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you!

Brenda Beebe Duncan

January 11, 2010

Jean,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you honor and cherish the fond memories of your father.

Joyce Christman

January 11, 2010

Cabot and family,
It was with sadness that heard your announcement of your father's passing. However, remembering my brief encounter with him brought an immediate smile to my face. I met him a couple of summers ago at Lakeside, where he was looking for a local golf course. I "google it" for him, and printed the list. He was thrilled and through our conversation, he told me he was your father. He was so proud of you! I hope you have many wonderful memories to warm your heart.

Ken, Judy, Jennifer & Marrisa Grotsky

January 11, 2010

Cabot and Family,

Are thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Julia Catalfino

January 11, 2010

Cabot,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Always remember that the sadness and heartache you and your family feel now, reflects the love and laughter you shared during his life. May those memories comfort you, while knowing your dad is now in peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Your friend, Julia

Barry Slack

January 11, 2010

To all the Rea Family,

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss from an old friend, neighbor and playmate.

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