REYNOLDS--James E. (June 19, 1956 - February 25, 2024), writer, journalist, educator, father, and husband, was born in Boston, the only child of James W. Reynolds and Dorothy Williams. He excelled as a student-athlete at Belmont Hill School and graduated from Columbia University in 1984. A journalist for 16 years, James was a reporter for Sports Illustrated; lead researcher for HBO's Journey of The African-American Athlete; managing editor of Time Inc.'s in-house magazine, F.Y.I.; and a writer at Money Magazine. In 2003, James started teaching English at The Collegiate School. From 2006-2018, he was Head of Upper School at The Browning School. He inspired students to take ownership of their education and to stretch their cultural embrace to enrich their life and the lives of others. His impact on family, friends, and students was profound. All relied on him for his thoughtful counsel, insight, and perspective. In 2019, James created and directed History/Ourstory for La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club's 400 Years of Inequity and Protest observances. In 2021, James followed with History/Ourstory:The Trail to Tulsa, documenting the little-known history behind the Tulsa race riots. After a nine-year struggle with stage-4 cancer, James died peacefully at home on February 25th. He leaves his cherished wife of 41 years Mary, his beloved sons Matthew and Jack, his devoted daughter-in-law Kristin, two granddaughters, Naomi and Simone, and many much- loved cousins, nieces and nephews. James' memorial service will be held at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church at 157 Montague Street in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 20th at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to La MaMa ETC.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Mar. 3, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES E. REYNOLDS

12 Entries

Michael Esty

March 29, 2025

I grew up with Jimmy. He had many friends in Ringer Park in Allston Ma. We played a lot of Basketball. We we t to Brighton High, Jimmy went to Belmont high. We were glad he did well. He always found his way back to us. He was a very bright kid. Fantastic athlete. So sorry to hear of his passing. Reading his obituary. Jimmy did well for himself. His parents were the best people ever. God Bless him. He will be missed.

Ralph,Maria, Michael and Katie

Planted Trees

Jean and Virginia Richard

April 18, 2024

Mr. Reynolds touched many souls with his kindness and finesse. As parents of Pierre-Charles Richard, student, we had the honor to meet him at The Browning School in Manhattan. He distinguished himself as a great educator and mentor within the school community. Our sincere and deepest condolences to his family and friends. We cannot attend his Memorial Service but his memory will remain in our hearts.
With great sadness,
Jean and Virginia Richard
141 Milbank Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

Marianne MacDougall

April 17, 2024

Mary and Boys,

My mother, Patricia MacDougall, Jim´s first cousin and my family all loved your Dad and his parents- my Great Aunt and Uncle. am so sorry for your loss and to hear Jim was sick. I feel blessed to have been able to get to know your husband/father better during my time living in NYC. My Mom was always so proud of Jim and all of your family. My Deepest Sympathy, Marianne Mac Dougall

Lucinda Martin

April 1, 2024

I am very sorry to have heard about his death. He was such a lovely man and gave so much of himself to his family and the causes dear to his heart. I am sending a donation to La Mamma in his memory. Thoughts and prayers to you, Mary, and your boys. Cindy Martin

sheree lee lennard

March 15, 2024

i always have been in as of Jimmy, as an accomplished professor, journalist, playwright- most important his gentle and kind manner- and wonderful dad and husband to Mary. Just a wonderful ppperson . My condolences & love .

J.P. DOUGHERTY

March 9, 2024

Dearest Mary and Sons , I send my sincere condolences to you at this very tender time . Jimmy was always so nice to me and every time we were at a gathering he was a favorite to talk with .He will be missed .May Heaven Rest Him Now. All love , J.P.

Margaret Daly

Planted Trees

Cindy Reynolds [nee Eisemann]

March 5, 2024

Mary, Matt and Jack, and family, sending you love and heartfelt condolences at this time. Remembering today our times on Bergen Street together: birthday parties, stoop ball, grandparents hand-me-downs, moving across the street and Jim walking Pearl. Lots of warm, meaningful conversations as we watched our boys grow up. Holding you close to my heart

Graydon Carter

March 4, 2024

Dear Mary and the rest of Jim's family,

We worked together at Time goodness knows how many years ago. He was such a lovely combination of charm and talent. And then I run into him at Collegiate where three of my children were going. Just seeing Jim there made me feel better about the school. I wish I had seen more of him. He was a wonderful man and I can only imagine how much you will all miss him. I send you all my condolences during this period of great sorrow.

And it pains me to say that I will be unable to attend the memorial. I have one last child still in school and that weekend is parents weekend--which is a command performance.

With all my warmest regards, Graydon Carter