James E. Reems

JAMES E. REEMS
June 26, 1929 ~ July 3, 2011

Surrounded by family, Jim Reems passed away peacefully Sunday, July 3, 2011, after suffering from complications of Alzheimer's. He was someone who always found humor in every situation, even just a few days before his death.
Jim was born June 26, 1929, in Wenatchee, WA to Lloyd and Agnes Reems. He was Jimmy to his family and to Jean when they met in August of 1943, becoming steadies in November of 1943. Jim and Jean were married in Wenatchee, February 13, 1949, at the First Methodist Church.
A self-taught drummer who listened to Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich records, over the years, Jim drummed with many musicians and groups in Wenatchee, Yakima and Spokane, then finally in Vancouver area after his day job transferred him here.
In l955, Jim began his long traveling career representing several companies, introducing many products still on today's shelves. From 1957 to 1961, while based in St. Louis, MO, Jim represented the Washington State Apple Industry.
Jim and Jean were blessed with four children from 1950 - 1967. He was such a devoted father; it was nothing for him to drive hundreds and hundreds of miles_ practically entire days, to be home in time for a school function, concert, program, game or whatever his children were involved in.
Although a neophyte at the sport, he formed a Vancouver youth soccer team from players not selected by other coaches, and they became a winning team. He loved golf and was able to play at both The Old Course and The New Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. Touring the US and making many shorter trips in their trailer and motor homes brought great joy over the years.
Surviving Jim are his wife, Jean, son Mitchell (Kate), daughter Darcy, daughter Stacy (Matt McCallum), son Nicholas (Darcy Jo), grandchildren Mitzi, Jessi, Alex, Rian, Cameron, Michelle, Benjamin and Megan; great-grandchildren, Kohdi, Caleb, Ayla, Gracie, Wyatt, Taylor, Aiden and Ethan.
We wish to thank the caregivers at Highgate for their especially watchful, kind and tender care during Jim's short time there, particularly during the last, agonizingly painful days.
As a tribute to a loving, kind, witty, talented Christian, a joyous Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2011 at Vancouver First United Methodist Church, at 33rd and Main Street in Vancouver.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Vancouver First United Methodist Church, 401 E 33rd St., Vancouver WA 98663. Please designate to whatever you wish - Youth Program, Camperships, Care Ministry, Open House Ministries, or whatever touches your heart.
Please view/sign Jim's guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits