James Reynolds, Sr.

James A (Jim) Reynolds, Sr., 92, of Wichita, KS, formerly of Aurora, IL, peacefully went to be with His Lord Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Park West Manor in Wichita.   

Jim was born in Payne, Ohio, on May 22, 1924, the 7th of 8 children born to Charles and Ida (Bickers) Reynolds.  He outlived all his siblings – Leo, Frances, Ed, Theresa, Kate, Bernard, and Rita.  He graduated in 1942 from Antwerp (Ohio) High School, and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, completing boot camp at Camp Pendleton (CA) and infantry at Camp Lejeune (SC).  He immediately was deployed to Pearl Harbor. After suffering an ear injury which punctured both ear drums, he was assigned at Pearl Harbor as a Military Police officer. Continuing in that assignment the end of the war. In November 1945, he obtained an honorable discharge from Fort Mifflin, PA as a Corporal.  Jim was well known in the Corps for his effective training of sentry dogs.   Like many of his era, he lived through a depression, fought a war to defend his country, and was a member of America’s “greatest generation”.

Jim married Audrey Meyer on August 10, 1946.  They settled in Aurora.  Jim worked for Globe Lumber Company from 1946 for 64 years until retiring in 2008 at age 84.  Globe had become Siegle’s Building Supplies and in turn, Stock Building Supply.  He was legendary and well respected in the Aurora lumber business; known for his easy-going, friendly personality, and vast knowledge of building materials and construction.  He was self-taught in many technical areas of that business, including blue print takeoff and residential construction.  He built the family’s first home on the east side himself, next to his children’s maternal grandparents.     

Jim and Audrey had a close, wonderful marriage that deepened for 58 years until Audrey passed away in 2004 at age 77 from a highly aggressive strain of ovarian cancer.   They parented two children – Leatha Ann (Pierce), and James (Jim) Jr.  They were incredible parents who loved their kids deeply, provided in countless ways, and were their children’s biggest cheerleaders, all through their years.  Jim worked two jobs through many of his children’s formative years so that Audrey could remain home with the children.  He taught his children the value of a dollar and the work required to earn it.

Both Jim and Audrey were members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurora from their marriage in 1946 until today.  They were active in their church; Jim served on virtually every board and capacity in the church, and was tireless in his support.  Each of them were committed Christians who made no apologies about their Lord of whom they each knew personally, and with whom they each walked daily.

Jim loved bowling, golf, car racing (attending the Indianapolis 500 for 25+ years), lumber, and had many pursuits, including being a woodworker and locksmith.  He was a man of many talents.  He always had a “project” going.                 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ida; each of his siblings, previously listed; and his wife, Audrey.  He is survived by his children: Leatha (Gerald) Pierce, of Colorado Springs, CO; Jim Jr. (Cynthia) of Wichita, KS; his grandsons: Andrew (AJ) Reynolds of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Joel Reynolds, of Oklahoma City, OK.

Jim will be sorely missed by his family and the legion of friends, co-workers, and church members that he had.  But all of us rejoice that Jim is again united with Audrey and is in the presence of the Lord that he so dearly loved, faithfully served, and continually talked about.  Until the end of his life, Jim was known as a man with a sweet spirit, who touched lives.  Even at the nursing home, in his very last days, the staff there commented of the “good and tender heart” that he had.  His children would continually hear, “Your father is such a sweet man”.  He leaves a marvelous legacy behind.   

Funeral arrangements are being jointly handled by Broadway Mortuary in Wichita, KS, and by Dieterle Memorial Home in Montgomery, IL.   Friends may call at Dieterle on Monday, April 17, 2017, from 12-2 pm, with funeral services immediately following at Dieterle.  Internment will take place following the funeral at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Montgomery, IL.  The family would be honored by those who would kindly pay respects to this humble, honorable man.