James E. Reid

James E. (Edgar) Reid, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2025 with his loving family by his side, following an extended battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born October 6, 1942, in Akron, Ohio, the son of Marvin Hurtt Reid and Sarah Almeda Wagner.

Jim was a graduate of Akron Central High School and was employed by the Akron Chair Company in Mogadore in his early years. He took immense pride in his role as a tool maker and quality control inspector at Karg Corporation in Tallmadge, which manufactures and distributes braiders, carriers, and bobbins globally, where he worked more than 40 years before his retirement.

He found his true labor of love when he and his sister Elizabeth purchased a small orchard in Springfield Township in 1971 which they named Horseshoe Orchard. Jim and Liz dedicated 44 years of their lives to the growth and maintenance of Horseshoe Orchard, and found sincere enjoyment meeting people and serving customers throughout the years through their pick-your-own apple business. Jim networked with many growers through the Ohio Fruit Growers Association and became proficient in his knowledge of pruning, spray programs, and the best apple varieties that would flourish in the orchard. Horseshoe Orchard was known by its customers for having some of the highest quality apples available offering a reasonable price, friendly faces, and a wonderful family experience. The orchard was truly one of the greatest ties in Jim’s family, as all hands were on deck once opening day arrived each season, including immediate family, his aunt and uncle, nieces and nephews, and a growing group of friends, to ensure all of the hard work invested during the year for each beautiful crop was utilized and appreciated. Jim has left his family and friends with a rich legacy of knowledge, memories and experiences from that little piece of heaven for which they are eternally grateful.

Throughout his life, James had diverse interests. He enjoyed street racing with his friends as a young man and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He obtained land from his very good friend Wheeler and established a deer camp in east central Ohio. Some of his greatest memories were created there sharing the beauty of nature with cherished family and friends, refining hunting skills on cold, crisp autumn days, dressing deer, swapping stories and laughter, and preparing amazing meals for all with impressive culinary skill.

James will always be remembered as a kind-hearted, generous man with a gentle spirit, friendly demeanor, and a stellar sense of humor that never missed bringing a smile to those around him. He treated and loved his extended family as his own, easily made lasting friendships throughout his lifetime, and found it important to share his knowledge and expertise with those he loved. He was recognized for his strength and stature, and the world was a grand place with him in it.

Memories of Jim will be carried on by his sister Elizabeth Reid, with whom he lived most of his life and who took loving care of Jim in his final years, brother John (Mary) Wagner, nieces Susan (Richard) Montgomery, Michelle Kohen, Tracey Wagner, Holly (Brent) Kenreich, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Michael Wagner, sister Sarah A. Reid, and brother, Isaac E. Wagner.

Visitation and viewing have been scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hopkins-Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road, Akron, OH 44312 (Ellet). A memorial service will begin at 4:00 p.m.

The family requests monetary contributions in Jim’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

The large, juicy, perfectly ripe and luscious Honeycrisp apple was truly one of Jim’s favorites. Please honor his legacy by enjoying one of these beauties and enjoy a quiet walk in nature. You will always find him there in sweet memories.