James Reed

GASTONIA - Dr. James "Jim" Elnarr Reed, 86, died March 30, 2011. Dr. Reed was born Aug. 3, 1924, in Rosebud, Texas and was the son of the late William Crawford Reed and Olive Johanna Swenson Reed.

Dr. Reed graduated from Eagle Lake High School and Texas A&M University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. While in college he worked in a pathology laboratory. He served in the United States Army Veterinary Corps in San Antonio, TX and worked in a number of places including, Bilt-more Estates and Shuford Animal Hospital in Asheville, NC, Stader Animal Hospital in Ardmore, NC, Philadelphia General Hospital in Philadelphia, PA and Parker Animal Hospital in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Reed moved to Gastonia where he was associated with Gaston Veterinary Hospital before starting his own practice, Reed Veterinary Hospital, P.A.

Active in a number of civic and fraternal organizations, Dr. Reed was a charter member of the Noon Optimist Club of Gastonia since its inception in 1946 where he served as President twice, Secretary-Treasurer, the Board of Directors, and on a number of committees. He was also active with the West Gastonia Boys and Girls Club where he served on the board of directors, and the Gastonia Housing Authority. A 32nd Degree Mason and member of Holland Memorial Lodge, Dr. Reed taught technology in the Gaston County Schools as well as teaching still and video photography, computer technol-ogy and audio and video technology at Gaston College. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Lake Norman Power Squadron. In 1978, Dr. Reed was honored by the Civitan Club as the "Citizen of the Year."

Dr. Reed was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and was a former member of First Baptist Church of Gastonia where he served on the Board of Deacons, was Sunday School Superintendent, President of the Baptist Men, and Mission Chairman for Southwood Baptist Church Mission.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Reed was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Laura Foster Reed; sister, Jane Reed Frank.

Survivors include his children and spouses, Pam Ingraham of Shelbyville, TN, Jim, Jr. and Marianne Reed of Tallahassee, FL and Minnilue and Tom Braverman of Hillsborough, NC; brother, William C. Reed, Jr. of Houston, TX; sister, Grace Talley Redifer of Sugarland, TX; grandchildren and spouses, Thomas and Evie Reddick of Irmo, SC, Robert and Emily Wirth of Pittsboro, NC, Josh and Devin Sturdevant of Elgin, SC, Steven and Nicole Braverman , of Cary, NC, Michael Braverman and Phillip Braverman, both of Hillsborough, NC; great-grandchildren, Caroline, Aryana, Tommy, Anna, Kaitlyn and John; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to honor Mrs. Cherrie Weaver with special recognition. Mrs. Weaver has been a loyal friend and devoted caregiver to both Laura and Jim Reed for over 10 years.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. Reed will be held 2 p.m. Friday at New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Ned Buckner officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. immediately prior to the service.

A reception will follow the memorial service in the church fellowship hall beginning at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Gaston, 310 S Boyd Street, Gastonia, NC 28052 or New Hope Baptist Church, 2024 Redbud Drive, Gastonia, NC 28056.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Covenant Village for their care of Dr. Reed and his family.

Condolences may be sent online to www.mcleanfuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Dr. Reed.