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Jimmie Howard REYNOLDS

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C.E. Byrd High School Iowa State University Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University University of Michigan Vanderbilt University

Jimmie REYNOLDS Obituary

Jimmie Howard Reynolds passed away in Shreveport, LA, on January 19, 2013. Born to Charles and Orpha Cracraft in Wichita, KS, Jimmie grew up in Shreveport and received degrees in Music from LSU and the University of Michigan. After teaching at public schools in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana, he became Director of Bands and Head of the Music Department at LSU, and Director of Bands at Iowa State University. From 1980-85 he was Director of Youth Music for the Municipality of Jerusalem, Conductor of the Israel National Youth Band, and consultant for the Rothschild Foundation, Israel. He taught courses in Music Education at Tel Aviv University and the Reuben Academy. Upon his return to the states, he was Band and Orchestra Director at Byrd High School in Shreveport, the school from which he graduated 45 years before. Reynolds was a past president of the Southern Division of the College Band Directors National Association, and member of many other national and regional band associations. After his retirement in 1990, he and his wife Arlene Burney moved to Petaluma, CA, where he organized and revived the Petaluma Community Band. Reynolds also guest conducted many groups including the Sonoma County Honor Band and Fresno State Wind Symphony. Jimmie is survived by his children Jon, Christin Fagan, Pat, Lauren Rea, and Dani Reynolds, three grandchildren, and wife Arlene Burney. A private memorial service will be held in Wichita, KS, at a later date.

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Published by Press Democrat from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jimmie REYNOLDS

Sponsored by Ross Palmer.

21 Entries

Eugene Dunnam

September 21, 2015

While searching the Web for a piece of band music, I ran across this obit. Sincere sympathy to Jimmie's family. Jimmie was a student assistant to the LSU band when I entered as a Freshman in 1947. Always cheerful with a kind word for everybody, he mitigated the heavy-handedness of the band directors. It's heartwarming to learn that his great personality continued for life!

Michael Botts

January 15, 2015

My sincerest condolences to Mr. Reynold's family, particularly Patrick with whom I went to music school under Mr. Reynolds at Iowa State. I once tried to call him "Jimmie Howard," but it did not sound right. I have to call him Mr. Reynolds because he was a huge influence in my life as a conductor, musician, and mentor to stand up to any problem, look it in the eye, and do what is necessary, including, if necessary, to "give it the middle finger." I have honored his example of caring for his students by a career in law helping those in need. I think back on his guidance and example often. Thank you Mr. Reynolds.

Don Faulkner

April 5, 2014

Having just stumbled onto this website, I want to add my condolences to Mr. Reynolds' family. As my band director throughout high school, he instilled in me an appreciation of music which has truly enhanced the quality of my life for the last 60 years. Thank you, J. Howard.

james ferguson

February 9, 2014

Jimmie was my hero, mentor and friend thoughout my career as a band director.

James S Ferguson

Wayne Bailey

December 16, 2013

As we near the year anniversary of Mr. Reynolds' passing I am happy to discover this guest book. I was in his band at Iowa State University and he, along with his friend and colleague Joe Christensen made a profound impact on my life. I have been a college band director for 35 years and I hear his words every day. I reuse them with my students and they ring true everyday. He lives on in his students and the students of his students. As Dan Fogelberg said, "The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old. But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul. My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man. I 'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band." RIP Jimmie. For a debt I can never repay.

Ross Palmer

September 27, 2013

I knew Mr. Reynolds at LA Tech during the years of 1963-1967. I play string bass and was very flattered when he invited me to play in the concert band. When he was conductor of the South Arkansas Symphony, I rode with him to rehearse in El Dorado Arkansas carrying the string bass in the back of his Rambler Wagon. I've thought of him frequently through the years and so sorry to know he is no longer with us. My sincerest condolences to his family.

RALPH WILLIAM BAIN

April 15, 2013

RALPH BAIN. JIMMIE'S COUSIN. PLEASE CONTACT ME [email protected] I HAVE JIMMIE'S FAMILY TREE BACK TO 1530. I AM NOT SELLING NOTHING

Mary Patricia Gordon

March 21, 2013

..see you again someday..

May 19, 2008, was declared by the Petaluma City Council to be Jimmie Howard Reynolds Appreciation Day.

Teresa Meikle

February 2, 2013

Jimmie revived a long dormant tradition of community band music in Petaluma. I'll always appreciate that he encouraged me to start making music again.

Richard Hood

February 1, 2013

Mr. Reynolds made a great impact on my life. Donna and I had lunch with him on two occasions during the past year. He taught me about music with emotion. I will miss him.

David DeRossett

February 1, 2013

The passing of my old friend, Jimmie Reynolds, was received with sadness. His was a life well lived, and it was a joy and an honor to have performed with him at LSU back in the early '50's. In 1990 the Baton Rouge Concert Band played at a riverside festival in Shreveport. Jimmie was there, and it was a delight to see him, and that he instantly remembered me after all of the years and the many people whose lives he touched. My deepest condolences to his family and many other friends.

Linda Chatman Love

February 1, 2013

Mr. Reynolds was a huge influence while i was at Tech. (1963-1967) I still use things he taught me in my own teaching. He will be remembered fondly.

Frank Moore

January 31, 2013

Jimmie & I were in the Byrd Band together in the early 40s, where he played bassoon and served as student conductor. A very likable person, he eschewed tremendous musical comprehension & talent. I had not seen him in years, nor did I know of his many accomplishments, but I am not at all surprised to read of them today.

John Ford

January 31, 2013

Jimmie Howard Reynolds was responsible for bringing me to Louisiana Tech University in 1966. I spent my teaching career at Tech and consider him as a mentor and an incredible influence on my life and career. He will be missed but he will always be remembered.

James Poe

January 31, 2013

With respect; Lt Colonel James A Poe, USAF (retired), La Tech 1965-70, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, MD-11 Captain (retired).

mary ellen (dring) gamble

January 31, 2013

thoughts and prayers are with this family today. I went to high school with Jonathan and was in the Ruston High Band with him under the direction of Oscar Barnes. Mr. Barnes and Mr. Reynolds worked together to instill the love of music in the band students. I also was briefly in the LA. Tech Band with Mr. Reynolds. Fond memories of those days. Please know that thoughts are with you all.

Paul Tinker

January 31, 2013

Jimmie had a quiet way of making you believe in yourself. He expressed words to me that I will always remember. He stengthens the idea that you NEVER know whose life you will touch and how it will affect them. Thank you, Jimmie for your words and taking time with me. This kind of man is a rare find.

Wesley McCoy

January 30, 2013

I knew Jimmie through the Smiths as well as through the CBDNA, where we came in contact when we were college band directors. I think all who knew him enjioyed his presence and attitude, always uplifting the best in music.

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

January 30, 2013

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Jimmie Howard Reynolds our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Jimmie. And to Jimmie it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during WW-II while serving in the U.S. Navy. Jimmie, you are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Jimmie's family and loved ones.

Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Brook Boddie

January 30, 2013

Mr. Reynolds was my band director at Caddo Magnet in 1985-86. I will never forget his expert musicianship, wit, and passion for what he did. God's peace to you in your time of loss.

Karen Owen

January 30, 2013

Mr. Reynolds was my Godfather. I am the first born of Randy and Dottie Smith, whose lives Mr. Reynolds influenced immensely. Although I do not remember him well since I was very small, I have kept up with his remarkable life and influence on others through my parents. The world is a better place because he walked among us. He will be missed terribly by many, including my parents.

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