James Harvey Reed, 85, of Harrison, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 13, 2022. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all.

James was born February 27, 1937, in Humphrey, Arkansas to Maryda Enoch Reed and Lucy Irene Smith. He was the youngest of 6 children. He graduated from Humphrey High School in 1957. He began his college education at Arkansas State Teacher's College, now University of Central Arkansas where he finished his bachelor's degree in Social Studies in May of 1962. Also, while attending college, he met Judy Kay Bradley, who he married, and they had 3 children. They experienced the loss of 2 children in their lives. One son and their only daughter. He grew up in a farming family and paid his way through college planting crops in the summer and harvesting them with a rented tractor. Later, he earned his Master and Specialist Degrees in 1968 and 1974 in education from the University of Arkansas. James dedicated 31 years as an educator, during which time, he touched the lives of countless students as a history teacher at Stuttgart High School, counselor at Paris High School, and as a superintendent at Bruno-Pyatt, Gentry and Winthrop. In 1995, he joined Arkansas Teacher Retirement serving the teachers of Arkansas as a retirement counselor.

James was blessed to retire in 2002 at the age of 65. He spent 23 years living in Springdale and enjoyed spending quality time with his kids and his grandson, Jordan. He loved to hear Jordan play the piano. He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, and was a great gardener. He could play a harmonica with the best of them. He enjoyed 2 trips every day to his favorite restaurant, Susan's and enjoyed all his friends who worked there. He wholeheartedly believed in the importance of fairness and kindness and had many friends from all walks of life.

He knew the Lord and was baptized in Humphrey, Arkansas in Bayou Meto creek when he was a teenager.

James is survived by his son, Barry (Angela) Reed. His only Grandson, Jordan. His wife of 35 years, Judy Reed Bradley, and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Maryda and Irene Reed, brothers, Frank, Clarence, and William Reed. Sisters, Nellie Brantley and Lorene Dean. His daughter, Tamara Kay Reed, and son, Michael Travis Reed.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Brent Rosson, Dr. Amanda Cope, NARMC, Hillcrest Nursing Home and Brandon Nisly along with their wonderful caregivers, and Legacy Hospice and their phenomenal team.

Celebration of Life will be held at Hopewell Baptist Church in Harrison on Wednesday Sept 7th at 11:00 am with Bro. Charles Edwards officiating.