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James Reel Obituary
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Jim was born April 13, 1955 in Iowa City, Iowa to Dwight and Maggie Reel. He is survived by his wife Marlene, sons Daniel and Andrew (Lauren), grandchildren Mason and Makana, brothers Dan (Shelly) and Craig (Aundie), nieces Megan Reel and Rebecca Reel as well as extended family and dear friends. He was predeceased by parents Dwight and Maggie, niece Aubrey Rice and nephew Doc Reel.
Although Jim spent most of his childhood in Texas, he fell in love with Connecticut when his family moved to Newtown his senior year of high school. After graduating from Newtown, he returned to Texas to attend Texas Christian University but came back to Connecticut shortly after college graduation.
A materials manager at BIC Corporation for 41 years, Jim met many of his closest friends as well as Marlene during his time there. Retiring in 2020, he spent his time golfing with friends, enjoying his grandchildren and walking with his beloved dog, Lily.
Growing up, Jim's family moved frequently and as an adult, he wanted nothing more than to find a community where he could set down roots and raise his children. He found that community in Southbury. He loved the fact that no matter where he went in town, he ran into a friend.
Jim's sons meant the world to him and he was happiest when spending time with family. Friendly and genuine, Jim easily made friends and cherished each one. A man of strong faith, he sought to serve others in so many ways; as a coach for one of the boys' teams, volunteering through church or simply helping a neighbor. His ready smile and enthusiasm will be missed by many.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, May 20, 2024, in the Daily Chapel of Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main Street South, Southbury, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be private.
We would like to express our profound gratitude for the compassionate care that the nurses, LPRN's, and staff of Waterbury Hospital ICU provided Jim and his family during his final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to the St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury or to a charity of your choice. For directions, or to leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com.
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Robert Daly
April 7, 2025
I forgot to mention George DeSantis sends his condolences. I was just overwhelmed at the time.
Now, I'm going through the loss of my wife Bernice 01/24/2025 (82) 59 years of marriage.
[email protected]
Joseph Loglisci
June 21, 2024
Dear Marlene, Dan and Andrew I am so sorry to learn of Jim´s passing. He was one of the kindest guys that we met in Southbury and in addition a wonderful husband and Father.
Dick Fiengo
May 23, 2024
I'm so so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I will be forever grateful to Jim for selecting me as a supplier for over 25 years. He was the ultimate professional business man I ever meet and extremely personable. Rest in peace my friend.
Karen Georgia
May 21, 2024
My deepest condolences to your family. I had the pleasure of knowing Jim through working with him. Bic corporation always talked highly of his kids. we spoke about baseball and kids growing up playing baseball. great guy.
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Marie Johanne Henderson
May 20, 2024
We are so very sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. I worked with Jim for many years in Lighters. He actually hired me. I thank him every day for taking that chance on me. I´m so sad that he didn´t have more time to enjoy retirement and his beautiful family. Our deepest condolences and may he rest in peace.
Ed and Johanne Henderson
Chris & Cathy Mills
May 19, 2024
Marlene, Daniel, Andrew and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Working closely with Jim for many years at BIC, I feel blessed with his friendship and for our many interactions. I will always fondly remember and appreciate Jim's ever present positive spirit, his trust in faith, his love for his family, friends and community, his pride in his work, and his loyalty and dedication to his company and colleagues. His smile and positive attitude always brought out the best in others. Sending our love, thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to you all. God Bless. Sincerely, Chris & Cathy Mills
Rick McEttrick
May 14, 2024
Jim was one of us with many years of service at BIC. He contributed so much to our growth. We shared our success´, our friendships and great memories. Today we share grief with the loss of our friend and colleague. From Jim´s loss we learn how short life can be. But Jim has left us all a legacy of deep family commitment and a loyalty to his work family and friends. We thank Jim´s family for the beautiful Obituary and pass along our deepest sympathy. Rick and Sandy McEttrick
Diane Rivers
May 13, 2024
I worked for Jim for many years at the BIC Lighter Plant. Once I moved to another job we would often talk about family. I know he was very proud of his. I am sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dom Narducci
May 13, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marlene, Dan and Andrew. Geralyn and I knew Jim through church, school and sports. I'll always remember laughing with Jim on Sunday mornings after Mass, as we "dissed" each other over TCU's or ND's football play the previous day. Always a smile and a kind word. A true Happy Warrior!
Linda Wanciak
May 12, 2024
Jim started working at Bic shortly after I started and he was a great person to work with and to know. My condolences to his family. I met my husband David at Bic and Jim knew him and sent his condolences to me when my husband passed last October. My prayers are with Marlene and his sons.
Judy Desouza
May 12, 2024
Marlene and family, I remember Jim from many years at BIC. Very kind, great smile. Great person. I am so sorry. Judy Scribner Desouza
Linda Sapio-Longo
May 12, 2024
Dear Marlene, Dan, & Andrew,
We are sad to learn of Jim's passing and our hearts ache for you all. We will always recall Jim's beautiful smile and kindness to all especially whenever we would see him whether at youth baseball game, at a school event, at our parish or out and about in town. Our deepest condolences to you all and sending prayers for strength at this difficult time.
Fondly, Ralph, Linda, Zachary and Tyler Longo
Barbara Cook
May 12, 2024
Marlene, Andrew, Dan and family,
Our deepest condolences to you all. We will always recall the kindest of Jim to us and the boys (Nick & Cam) on the sidelines of the many baseball games. Prayers of love and peace to you all!
Barbara and John, Nick, Cam, and Lanie Cook
Bob Daly
May 12, 2024
I remember Jim from BIC lighter division. He helped me get a cheaper Auto Insurance than "The Good Hands People" who had their hands on my money. Jim was a really nice guy. Always a smiling face easy going. So sad to hear he passed.
Tom Norris
May 11, 2024
I met Jim about 3 years ago through the Wednesday golf group. He was a very easy guy to get to know and he welcomed me into the group as only he could. We bonded over golf, sports and family, especially grandkids. I have aiways thought that I would like to be remembered as a "good man" and Jim was surely a good man right to his soul. I will miss him and I send my deepest sympathies to Marlene and her family. I bet he will still be looking for lost golf balls in heaven!
Mary Wojiski
May 11, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. When working at BIC he was one of my managers. I saw two sides to Jim, one was a tough but fair manager who set by example by giving 100% to his job and requiring the return. The other side was of a man who loved his family and talked about them everyday. I highly respect both sides of Jim. My heart and prayers go out to Marlene and his sons and their families.
Eileen Barcello
May 11, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. I worked with him at BIC and he was a wonderful individual. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Eileen
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