James Franklin Reese

James Franklin Reese, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on June 2, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on February 17, 1944, in Marks, Mississippi, to the late James Virgil Reese and Dorothy Ellis Reese, James was a beacon of love and stability to all who knew him.
James is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Margery F. Reese, and his loving brothers, Charles and Tommy Reese. His legacy continues through his children, Teresa Berdine (Todd), Tina Faciane (Michael), Tanya Montz, and James Mathew Reese (Clarissa); his adored grandchildren, Crystal Ducote, Brittany Berdine, Austin Faciane, Danielle Landry, Cody Faciane, Heidi Montz, James "JT" Reese, Alexis Reese, Joseph Reese, Grant Taylor, Claire Taylor, Chloe Taylor, and Evelyn Gentry; and his great-grandchildren, Rilan Montz, Sloane Ducote, Elijah Moran, Harrison Ducote, and Addie Faciane. He also leaves behind two stepsons, Kevin Taylor (Christine) and David Taylor (Lauren), and a host of extended family members, all of whom he loved greatly. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Geneva Taylor.
James grew up in a close-knit family and was the beloved brother of Hoyt Reese and Patricia Reese Picou, both of whom predeceased him. He was a man of integrity and intellect, bravely serving in the United States Army and earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University. His professional life was marked by a distinguished career as an accountant in the Financial Management Division of the NASA Shared Services Center in Hancock County, Mississippi, where James was not only respected for his expertise but also for his unwavering ethical standards and his commitment to excellence.
Those who knew James would describe him as loving above all else. His love was a guiding force that brought comfort and joy to his family and friends. He was a man who cherished simple pleasures like family gatherings, sharing stories, and imparting wisdom to his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.
James will be laid to rest with Military Honors in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider making a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com