Obituary of James Russell Reese

James ("Jim") Russell Reese, 79, of Amelia Island, Florida, passed away on November 13, 2024, after a brief illness. Jim was born July 16, 1945, in Morgantown, WV. He was the son of the late David Cyrus Reese and Virginia Lea (Stewart) Reese. Jim graduated from University High School in 1963. Following graduation, Jim worked for West Virginia University Publications Department. He then worked as a coal miner at Consol's Arkwright mine for seventeen years. He was a member of the United Mine Workers. Following an accident in the mines, Jim obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, in accounting and banking at Fairmont State University in 1997, at the age of 52. Jim worked as an accountant for Florida Rock Industries and other companies in Jacksonville, Florida until he retired. Jim married Elizabeth Ann (Butcher) Reese in 1968, and they recently celebrated their 56th anniversary. Jim was an active member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach, Florida. He enjoyed taking cruises and watching sports with his dog, Miss Molly, by his side. Jim was an avid fan of all WVU Mountaineers sports teams and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jim is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his sister-in-law, Kathy Snyder and her husband, George Roeder; his brother-in-law, John ("Mike") Butcher Sr.; his sister-in-law, Donna (David) Reese; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, David Cyrus Reese and Virginia Lea Reese; his sisters, Patricia Ann Reese and Brenda Jean Friend (Ronald); and his brother David Arthur Reese (Donna). A private service will be held at Hastings Funeral Home. Interment of Jim's ashes will take place at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia, P.O. Box 1090, Dellslow, WV, 26531. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com