James W. Reavis

James W. Reavis/ James William Reavis, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, at the Veterans' Hospital in Durham, North Carolina with his family at his bedside. Internment with military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery. He was born on Aug. 30, 1928, to the late Lewis Hugh Reavis and Virginia Reavis Bagwell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Harris Reavis, and a sister, Dorothy Reavis Hildreth. Jim was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1947. He then served six years as a trooper on the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. After moving to Virginia, Jim worked at the Newport News Shipyard and continued his love for all things nautical. He was a member of the American Legion James F. Draper Post 255 and the Loyal Order of the Moose in Newport News, Va. Jim was active in Bible study and Sunday school groups. He was a volunteer in the public school system and a great friend and all-around helper to his neighbors in the Great Oak Retirement Community in Newport News. These friendships meant a great deal to him. Jim is survived by daughters Mary Reavis and Libby Mann of Apex; and daughter Rita Reaves, husband Leonard, and grandchildren Christine Reaves and Will Reaves of Greenville. Jim's family would like to thank the kind and caring staff at the Veterans' Hospital in Durham for the extraordinary care he received throughout his illness. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements made by the Cremation Society of the Carolinas. Online condolences can be made at www.cremnc.com.