James W. Reid

James Wyllis Reid was born on April 27, 1953, in Mooresville, NC from a loving union of Kelly and Carolyn Emerson. He was preceded in death by his parents. Rochester, NY is where his journey would begin and where he would lay his roots to start a family of his own. He graduated from Madison High School in 1972. James entered the military participating in the United States Airforce with an Honorable Discharge in 1974. He enjoyed playing football and wrestling. He was inducted into the City-Catholic Wrestling Association, receiving the HALL OF FAME AWARD on August 17, 2019.
He loved jazz, a little Boney James, Wayman Tisdale and Lee Ritenour. He also enjoyed watching the Bible Stories on television. James believed in hard work. Scripture says, "if a man will not work, he shall not eat", 2 Thessalonians 3:10. He was employed by Flanigan Furniture after graduating high school. He retired after 30 years of service as a machinist with General Motors of Rochester, NY.
Mr. Reid married the love of his life on May 13, 1995. They loved doing things together traveling with family and friends. He also liked going to professional Basketball and Football games. Papa left an intangible impact on his children and grandchildren. He was very nurturing and instilled values, character, life's work. He was kind, loving and his actions expressed it. James's passing was unexpected. He was surrounded by his family during his final days. We found comfort in knowing he had been reunited with his beloved parents.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Adrienne Reid; daughters, Kellie and Britni (Mike) Thomas; son Patrik Gay; five grandchildren, Jah'Nease, Samuel, Imani, Michael Jr., Nariah; brothers, Kelly Jr. and Darryl (Lola) Emerson; sisters, Phelonese (Ray) Johnson and Carol Nelson; sister, Sharon (Edward) Rucker; loving mother-in-law, Betty Brooks; brothers-in-law, Franklin Brooks, Jr., William (Shay) Brooks, Timothy Brooks and Jonathan; sister-in-law, Falon Brooks; uncles, Henry (Joanne) Reid, James (Sherry) Brooks and Lee Brooks; aunts, Margaret (Robert) Brown, Delores Carter, Carrie Mae (James) Horne, Barbara (Robert) Smith and Jacquline Myers; a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.