James E. "Jim" Reems

Ridgefield, WA

James E. "Jim" Reems, 82, of Ridgefield, WA, died Sunday, July 3, 2011, surrounded by his family, after suffering from complications with Alzheimer's disease. Jim always found humor in every situation, even just a few days before his death. He grew up in the Wenatchee Valley, where his father, Lloyd Reems, was the owner and operator of the K & R Grocery in Wenatchee. Jim met his wife-to-be, Jean Marie Olson, in August of 1943, and they were later married on February 13, 1949, at the Wenatchee First Methodist Church. A self-taught drummer, who listened to Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich records, over the years, Jim drummed with many musicians and groups in Wenatchee, Yakima, Spokane, and finally, in the Vancouver, WA area, after a final transfer to that area. Jim had been a traveling salesman, having worked in Yakima, Wenatchee, Spokane and Vancouver. He had also been a public relations representative for the Washington State Apple Commission in St. Louis, MO, from 1957 to 1961.

Jim played football at Wenatchee High School, YMCA basketball, church league basketball teams wherever he lived and coached his children's sports always. Although a neophyte at the sport, he formed a Vancouver youth soccer team from players not selected by other coaches and they became a winning team. An avid golfer, Jim and Jean were able to play both the Old Course and the New Course at St. Andrews, Scotland.

Survivors include his wife, Jean of Ridgefield; and his children, Mitchell (Kate) Reems of Tacoma, and Darcy Simmons, Stacy (Matt) McCallum and Nicholas (Darcy Jo) Reems, all of Vancouver; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A joyous Celebration of his Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2011, at the Vancouver First United Methodist Church in Vancouver, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Vancouver First United Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd Street, Vancouver, WA 98663. Please designate to whatever you wish: Youth Program, Camperships, Care Ministry or whatever touches your heart. Arrangements are by Northwood Park Funeral Home, Vancouver.