James Michael Reed, 80, of Fort Collins, Colorado, formerly of Newark, died at his daughter’s home where he was being cared for, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. He was born in Dennison, Ohio on September 28, 1945, to the late Paul Thomas Reed and Hazel Nancy McCollum.

A former parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Jim was a 1963 graduate of Uhrichsville High School. Following, he enlisted with the United States Navy, 1963-1966, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. He settled in Newark, Ohio after his service time and married Mary Helen Spencer on May 11, 1968.

Jim started working at Owens Corning Fiberglass in 1967 and became an active member of the Newark Jaycees. He helped to organize and conduct over 50 parades and was always proud to say that his “parades started on time”. Jim also served on the Special Olympics Board, 1980-1983, when the Special Olympics was hosted at Denison University with over 600 participants.

In 1989, Jim moved to Van Wert, Ohio and worked with Finley Industries. He eventually joined Johnson Controls in Lewisburg, Tennessee, serving as their quality control manager, 1990-2002. While in Tennessee, Jim was a member and past president of the local Elks Lodge.

Jim had a booming voice that let you know when he was in a room. He was very proud of his children and the many accomplishments they achieved. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (Shane) Corbin and Michelle (Tolue) Jackson and their mother, Mary H. Reed; daughter-in-law, Lisa Thorton; grandchildren, Breanna Corbin, Cierra Corbin, Morgan (Jake) Dennis, Mark (Moriah) Reed; 3 great-grandchildren, Oriana Dennis, and Miles and Cooper Reed; brother, Richard P. Reed; step-sister, Gail Hedges; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, James (Barbara) Spencer, Sr. Carol Ann Spencer, Norma J. Hyde, and Karen (Dean) Gross; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son, Matthew James Reed and his twin who died in infancy, Mark Paul Reed; his sister, Paula Sue; step-mother, Katheryn Lindamood Reed; step-brother, Mark Lindamood; his in-laws, James Francis and Mary Frances (Christy) Spencer; brothers-in-law, Sam Hyde and Charles William Spencer; and sister-in-law, D. Kathleen Reed.

Calling hours will be held at the Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Drive, 4-5:30 P.M., Friday, May 1, 2026, and will conclude with a short prayer service. Inurnment services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Newark, 11 A.M., Saturday, May 2, 2026, with military honors provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

To share your memory of Jim or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com