Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Reid Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Sevic
May 15, 2018
I had Mr. Reid for physics in 1982 and advanced physics in 1983, I still remember his drawing of a transverse EM wave on the blackboard using different color chalk, explaining wave phenomena to us. As a testament to Mr. Reid's wisdom and prescience, his yearbook autograph commented on being well-prepared for our technology and information based future. He was spot on. Thank you so much Mr. Reid.
Stace Danielson
May 11, 2017
Mr. Reid is by far my most favorite teacher. From pre-school to graduate school..He was just it for me. I had him for 1st year physics and 2nd year physics. Much love and kind thoughts . Stace Danielson.
Kyle Gulick
May 10, 2017
Dan and I were saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We were out of the state when you had his memorial but know that we were there in spirit. He was by far one of the greatest teachers the Lansing School District had. He made learning Physics fun and exciting. A teacher that was totally engaged in the teaching process. It wasn't hard to discern from the moment you stepped into his class that he loved physics, his students and that the students loved him.. A man whom we had the pleasure of knowing in his retirement years as well. We enjoyed many conversations about Sexton and about life. The world lost a wonderful guy but it is heavens gain! You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!
bob brakeman
April 23, 2017
One measure of Mr. Reid's popularity is that all the non-physics kids liked him just as much as members of his physics classes liked him: He would stand outside his classroom between classes and talk to as many students as time allowed. At graduation-time, just about every kid at Sexton asked him to sign their yearbooks, even if they had never had him as a teacher. He was a good teacher, but, more importantly, he was a good guy.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Dirk Horton
April 20, 2017
Jim Reid changed my life! I was a doctoral student at Michigan State and had the opportunity to student teach for Jim in the late 60s at Sexton High School. Jim insisted we would team teach given my rooky status.
Jim first taught me that Physics was mainly a celebration of the people who struggled to build an understanding of our world. Many of our lessons involved multi media role playing. Students joined us in the simulation of great experiments and science events. Nobel speeches and prizes with costumes and student music sparked curiosity. "Hands-on with Minds-on" dominated instructional time. My growth led Jim to request that I sub for him during his sabbatical year. Increase in physics enrollment that year supported a need for 2 physics teachers. Working with Jim and other Sexton High School Teachers set my course for the next 45 years teaching and tutoring.
I'm not surprised that Jim Reid changed my life. His expertise, high standards, and caring changed hundreds of students and colleagues. Hear me Jim! I love you.
Dirk M. Horton
Mr. James Reid, 1971, at Sexton High School.
Don Backus
April 18, 2017
I first met Jim Reid in 1970, as a student at Sexton High School and have never forgotten him. He was an extraordinary teacher, perhaps the most natural teacher I've ever encountered. He cared about the subject matter, he cared about students learning the subject matter and most of all, he cared about the students he taught. And he was good at it, making learning both effective and fun.
I had the blessing to know Jim and Sue after I graduated and while no longer 'officially' my teacher, I learned from him nonetheless, about life, marriage kids and British cars. I know he touched countless lives and instilled and fanned a passion for science, learning and life in so many students over his life, and yet, these words don't serve to properly describe the man or his impact.
To Sue, Robyn and the rest of the family, I offer my deepest condolences. I will always remember him with respect and awe - he truly was the best at what he did, and then some.
Bobby Wilcox
April 17, 2017
I captained on the first cross country team that he coached at Sexton. What an inovative, kind, caring, and progressive leader he was. I eventually became world class in more than one sport, and I never had in my life a coach or manger that even remotely came close to Mr. Reid. Although the coach, he was also a nurturer, teaching things that went beyond the sport. He really did prepare us for life itself. His way made things fun . You were always motivated for more of what he was offering. An individual like Mr. Reid only comes along in a great while. I'm honored to have had him in my life. I have much love as well as appreciation for this giant of a man. With an extremely sad heart I send out prayers to all of his famlly and for his memory.
Ron "Tom" Thomas
April 9, 2017
Mr. Reid was an amazing teacher who went beyond the call of duty to expose his students to new lessons and perspectives. Whether it was lectures like his classic presentation of the particle/wave duality of light with his physics teaching partner in crime, Mr Deslitch or a spontaneous field trip to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry with a few inspired students on a Saturday, Mr. Reid never failed to share with those around him his enthusiasm for the world around him and our ability to observe its phenomena. I will never forget the partial solar eclipse we viewed in his classroom over lunch period one day, nor his message to me that one day me and my classmates would run the world we inhabited and he wanted to make sure he prepared us as well as he could so we didn't screw it up for him as he grew old.
Colleen Clapper
April 8, 2017
Mr Reid was a wonderful teacher. I was in his class in 1980 and still remember everything he taught me. He made learning son fun that I always looked forward to going to school. My deepest sympathy goes toward his family during this time. He is remembered with great fondness.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
325 W Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933
Make a Donation
in James Reid's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Reid's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
