James "Jim" Reed

Fire Chief, James "Jim" D. Reed, age 78, of Howell, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after his two year battle with cancer. He was born November 30, 1946 in Detroit, the son of James G. and Marilyn A. (Johnston) Reed. He is survived by his wife Lisa, son Dan (Sandy), daughters Kate (Danny) Stricker and Callie Molitor. Grandfather of Tala, Bane, Brooke and Kyle. Also survived by his sister Sue (Jake) Feher, brother Rob Reed and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Cheryl Holmes. Jim was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the 101st Airborne Division, where he received several commendations, citations and the Bronze Star Medal. Chief Reed began his public service career with the Howell Police Department, serving as an officer and a detective. He then joined the Howell Fire Department in 1979 when it was a single fire station, volunteer department. Upon his retirement in 2008, he had overseen the development of the Howell Area Fire Authority consisting of four fully manned and outfitted fire stations covering 145 square miles of the city and surrounding townships. He then worked on the creation and passage of a millage to fund the Authority. Also during his career he was responsible for creating the specialized Hazmat Response, Technical Rescue and Diving teams. As a dedicated fire department professional, Jim was a graduate of the National Fire Academy, receiving a degree as an Executive Fire Officer, was selected by the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs as Chief Of The Year in 2005, was Past President of the South East Association Of Fire Chiefs, Past President of Livingston County Fire Chiefs, was appointed by the Governor to the Michigan Public Safety Communications Advisory Board, was a representative of the Joint Fire Service Council at the state and national level and served on the American Red Cross Board. In 1984 he ran as a candidate for the position of Livingston County Sheriff. After his retirement, he worked throughout the state as a sales representative, in the fire department equipment and supply industry. During his retirement he took up fly fishing and became an Expert Master Fly Tyer specializing in using deer hair for his work. As an avid outdoorsman he took fishing and hunting trips to Alaska, Montana and the Upper Peninsula, enjoyed trap shooting and never missed watching a Lions game. He will be greatly missed by his family, his many friends and colleagues. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 26, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Watkins Funeral Homes, MacDonald's Chapel of Howell. Funeral services will take place Wednesday, at 11:00 AM, at the First United Methodist Church of Howell (visitation at the church 10:00 AM until the start of the service). Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Howell. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Michigan State Fireman's Memorial Site (8826 E. Huron Line Rd., Ruth, MI 48470) or the Michigan War Dog Memorial (542 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Milford, MI 48380)
"Airborne All The Way"