Obituary – Dr. James Reed
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Dr. James “Jim” Elnarr Reed, 86, died March 30, 2011. Dr. Reed was born Aug. 3, 1924, in Rosebud, Texas and was the son of the late William Crawford Reed and Olive Johanna Swenson Reed.
Dr. Reed graduated from Eagle Lake High School and Texas A&M University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He served in the United States Army Veterinary Corps in San Antonio, Texas and worked in a number of places including, Biltmore Estates and Shuford Animal Hospital in Asheville, N.C., Stader Animal Hospital in Ardmore, N.C., Philadelphia General Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. and Parker Animal Hospital in Charlotte, N.C. Dr. Reed moved to Gastonia where he was associated with Gaston Veterinary Hospital before starting his own practice, Reed Veterinary Hospital, P.A.
Active in a number of civic and fraternal organizations, Dr. Reed was a charter member of the Noon Optimist Club of Gastonia since its inception in 1946 where he served as President twice, Secretary-Treasurer, the Board of Directors, and on a number of committees. He was also active with the West Gastonia Boys and Girls Club where he served on the board of directors, and the Gastonia Housing Authority. A 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Holland Memorial Lodge. Dr. Reed taught technology in the Gaston County Schools as well as teaching still and video photography, computer technology and audio and video technology at Gaston College. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Lake Norman Power Squadron. In 1978, Dr. Reed was honored by the Civitan Club as the “Citizen of the Year”.
Dr. Reed was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and was a former member of First Baptist Church of Gastonia where he served on the Board of Deacons, was Sunday School Superintendent, President of the Baptist Men, and Mission Chairman for Southwood Baptist Church Mission.
Dr. Reed was a long time member of the AAEP. He owned multi World Titled Mike’s Mighty Man, breeder of Reserve World Grand Champion Mike’s Mighty Delight and World Champion Mighty Man’s Rascal. Dr. Reed was also the personal veterinarian for World Grand Champion Triple Threat when he was located in North Carolina.
In addition to his parents, Dr. Reed was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Laura Foster Reed and sister, Jane Reed Frank.
Survivors include his children and spouses, Pam Ingraham of Shelbyville, Tenn., Jim, Jr. and Marianne Reed of Tallahassee, Fla. and Minnilue and Tom Braverman of Hillsborough, N.C.; brother, William C. Reed, Jr. of Houston, Texas; sister, Grace Talley Redifer of Sugarland, Texas; 6 grandchildren and spouses and 6 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Gaston, 310 S Boyd Street, Gastonia, NC or New Hope Baptist Church, 2024 Redbud Drive, Gastonia, NC 28056.