James Reynolds, Jr.

Manitowish Waters – CSM James Reynolds, Jr., USAR (Retired), formerly of Racine, passed away in Woodruff, Wisconsin on Sunday, September 18, 2011. He was born in Racine on April 11, 1926, son of the late James and Grace (nee: Post) Reynolds. He was a graduate of Wm. Horlick High School. On March 15, 1974 he was married in Waukegan, Illinois to Sharon JoAnne (nee: Glazewski) Young.

Jim began his military career by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on 10 April 1944. Private First Class Reynolds participated in the invasion of Okinawa 01 April to 25 June 1945, and served with occupational forces of China from 01 October to 06 April 1946. He was honorably discharges from the Marine Corps at Great Lakes Naval Station on 13 May 1946. Next, Jim joined the Wisconsin National Guard in Racine as a Field Artillery Platoon Sergeant (E-5) on 13 February 1950, and served until 12 January 1961. Jim transferred to the US Army Reserves’ 1^st Battalion, 339^th regiment, 1^st Brigade (Basic Combat Training), 84^th Division (Training) in Racine on 12 January 1961. He was promoted to Command Sergeant Major (E-9) on 01 January 1977, and retired with over 38 years of military service in 1986.

Jim was a lifetime member of VFW Post 1391 Racine, Past President of Milwaukee Metropolitan NCO Council, lifetime member of the NRA, founding and charter member of the Lakeside Pistol and Rifle Club, and Past President of White Knight Snowmobile Club.

Following his retirement, Jim and Sharon relocated to Northern Wisconsin, where Jim enjoyed spending time outdoors, snowmobiling, fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Sharon; his children, James (Kathy) Reynolds and Carol (Dick) Deverney both of Racine, and Wendi (John) Nikolai of Stratford; grandchildren, Mallori Reynolds Garza of Gurnee, Illinois, Sgt. Andres (fiancée – Casey Doub) Garza currently in Afghanistan, Frank ( Laura Lloyd) Caputo, D.D.S. of Kenosha, and Jessica Markham of Richland, Washington; nephews, Kenneth Dexter, “Mickey” James (Carol) Layton, and Thomas (Paula) Layton; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Patricia Gorzalski of Milwaukee, Arlene Krawczyk of Racine, Jacquelyne (Tony) St. Peter in Nevada, Robert Glazewski of Milwaukee,  Philip (Chariel) Babby in New Mexico, Sandy Parks in Madison, Paul (Robyn) Behmke of Hartland, and DeWayne (Mary) Glazewski in California; as well as many other dear nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was also preceded in death by 3 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law, Viola and Robert Layton, Clara and Phil Uebe, and Annie Dexter.

SEMPER FI

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 12 noon with Deacon Brad Krawczyk officiating. Interment and military honors will follow at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will begin in the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. Memorials to the family to distribute to Jim’s favorite causes have been suggested.  

A special thank you to the Seasons of Life Hospice for their love and care during his final days.