James Morris Reeves of Columbus, Mississippi

July 3, 1928 - January 8, 2020

James M. Reeves Obituary

James M. Reeves passed away on January 8, 2020 at the age of 91. James was born on July 3, 1928 in Pickensville, AL to the late Morris M. Reeves and Annie Bonds Reeves and the family relocated 9 months later to Columbus. James graduated from Lee High School where he participated in football, baseball, and basketball. Following graduation, James attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College on a football scholarship, transferring after his freshman year to Mississippi State University. During this time, James played semi-pro baseball with the Columbus Red Birds.

When the Korean War escalated, James joined the Army for a two-year tour and was assigned to the medical detachment 932 F. A. 31 ^st Division Artillery unit. While in the military, he completed Army Leadership School at Fort Jackson, SC and medical training at Fort Sam Houston Medical Center in Houston, TX.

Following military service, James reenrolled at Mississippi State University and married Juanita Parra on August 29, 1952. James graduated from Mississippi State University in 1953 with a business degree and immediately started his career as a purchasing manager with Mitchell Engineering Company in Columbus. During his career, James completed the requirements as a Certified Purchasing Manager and was a member of the National Association of Purchasing Managers where he was named Purchasing Man of the Year. James retired from Ceco Building Systems, formerly Mitchell Engineering Company in 1993, as Vice President of Purchasing after 41 years.

Juanita and James were married for 28 years until she passed away from cancer on September 17, 1980. Subsequently, James met and married Edith Repult Harris from Tupelo, MS in 1988. Edith and James traveled extensively during their lives together and enjoyed attending sporting events at Mississippi State University. James and Edith were married for 28 years until she passed away from cancer on December 25, 2016.

James is preceded in death by his sister Ann Tate and is survived by his sister Martha Sue Mims (Joe), brother William E. Reeves (Betty) and step-son Lee Harris (Mary Ann)

Services will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbus at 2PM on Friday, January 10, 2020 with Dr. Shawn Parker officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at 1PM. Internment will be Vaughn Cemetery in Steens, MS