James (Jim) Reeder, 89, of Yulee, FL passed away on September 21, 2021 at his home surrounded by family.
He was born on March 29, 1932, in Jacksonville, Fl, to the late James Roy Reeder and Annie Kate, and Step-Father Albert Cochran.
Jim served in the U.S. Navy from 1950-1954. During his Naval Career he served on the Battleship USS Iowa BB61, the Battleship USS New Jersey BB62, the Battleship USS Missouri BB63, Battleship USS Wisconsin BB64, and Cruiser USS Macon CA132. He proudly fought in the Korean War aboard the USS Missouri (The Mighty Mo) as a Fire Control Technician. In 1956-1963, Jim served in the US Air Force as an A & E Mechanic Flight Engineer on the VC47 and C123 A/C. In 1980, Jim joined the Air National Guard and served for 10 years as a Weapons Technician F106 and F16 A/C. In total, Jim served the military for 22 years. Jim was very proud of his Military Career and selflessly served his country.
In 1956, Jim met the love of his life, Frances Vinson. On June 1, 1957 they married in Jackson, MS. During their marriage, Jim and Frances lived their lives to the fullest. They raised 3 boys, James (Bo), Bobby and Charlie and later helped raise their 2 grandsons, Chris and Brian. They spent most of their time in Jacksonville, FL. In 1997, they moved to Athens, AL where they enjoyed retirement. In 2018, they decided to leave Alabama and join their son, Bobby and his wife in Glen Ullin, ND. While there, they enjoyed seeing the beautiful countryside. In 2020, Jim and Frances decided to return to Florida to spend precious time with their Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
When he was not enlisted in the US Military, Jim worked many jobs over the years. He owned his own lawn care business, worked for a tire store and much more to support his family.
In his free time, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, traveling and being with his loved ones. They enjoyed taking trips with their children to different places and enjoyed traveling to Florida to visit their Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. He enjoyed exploring the country and seeing all Gods beautiful creation. He also had a love for animals. In his retirement, he enjoyed bird watching, cats, dogs and squirrels.
Jim was a member of the Church of Christ.
Jim was preceded in death, by his parents, sisters Lucille and Cherry, brothers Alvin and William Cochran. Daughter in Laws, Diane Reeder and Sharon Reeder.
Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 64 years, Frances Reeder, he affectionately referred to as, Momma. Three sons, James, wife Ana, Reeder, of Palmdale, CA, Bobby, wife Cyndi, Reeder, Glen Ullen, ND, and Charlie, fiancé Lana, Reeder of Jacksonville, FL. Grandchildren, Chris (Nicole) Reeder and Brian (Amanda) Reeder, all of Yulee, FL. Great Grandchildren, Kiersten, Hailey and Liam Reeder, all of Yulee, FL.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, FL.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice of Nassau County or any Veterans Foundation.

Obituary lovingly composed by Jim’s Great Granddaughter, Hailey Reeder, age 12.


He will be laid to rest in Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date