James W. Reese

James W. Reese was born March 4, 1932 in Rolling Prairie, Indiana. He passed away peacefully at his home in Holbrook, AZ on April 26, 2016.He was the youngest of twelve children.  He served in the US Army and was in the Korean War.  He belonged to the Elks Lodge BPOE 2450 and also the American Legion in Holbrook.   He ventured west to attend Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff AZ to complete his teaching degree. Soon after he completed his degree he was hired in the Holbrook School District where he taught Typing and Business.  After his retirement he substituted, anywhere he was needed,  from Kindergarten to the 12th grade.  The younger classes asked if they could call him grandpa.  He taught for over 50 years in the Holbrook School District.  He loved coaching baseball and basketball and had many winning seasons.  He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan.  More importantly he was known for his stories, jokes, poems and keep smiling cards. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and two sisters. He is preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 5 sisters. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for all donations to go to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church of Holbrook, AZ. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 225 E. Arizona St., Holbrook, Arizona. A visitation will begin at 9:00 am, followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 10:15 and then the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at the Holbrook Cemetery.