James B Reed

James (Jim) Reed passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 22nd surrounded by his loving family, listening to his favorite music and saying his best one liners; “Elvis has left the building” and “God Bless America”.

Jim was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. He is the oldest son of the late James Reed and Jean Mullen and brother to the late Ron Reed.

He attended Interboro HS where he was a real 50’s greaser who loved classic cars and Elvis but more than anything, he loved his HS sweetheart and future wife of 64 years, Sally (Malick). Jim was a true patriot and enlisted in the Air Force after graduation and married Sally in 1959. Jim and Sally raised their family in Norwood, PA and enjoyed summers down the shore, eventually moving full time to their beloved LBI, NJ home.

Jim had a lifelong passion for aviation and was a career jet engine mechanic working at various military bases in the PA/NJ area. He was a proud retired veteran and served his country in the Air Force (active duty and Air National Guard) for over 25 years.

Jim never met a stranger and greeted everyone with a big smile, friendly chit-chat, and a joke. His favorite subjects were his family who he adored, aviation (specifically the Spirit of Freedom), the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, classic cars and 50’s rock n Roll.

Jim will be remembered by his loved ones for his kindness and wacky sense of humor, at the sight of the American flag, the sound of an Elvis song and the taste of ice cream.

Jim is survived by his devoted and loving wife Sally, his daughters and dance partners Marianne Reed and Michele (Wheeler) his son, best buddy and fellow Philly sports fan Daniel Reed, son-in-law and Cowboy’s fan Bo Wheeler, his grandchildren, tech support and fellow comedians Vincent Centamore, Ariana Centamore, Jarrid Centamore, Reed Wheeler and Christian Wheeler.

James will be interred 11:30am Friday, November 3, 2023 at Brig. General Wm. C Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Rd., Wrightstown, NJ. Anyone who will be attending the service, please be at the cemetery by 11:15am to line up with the family.

Family and friends are invited to a repast immediately following the interment at the Plumstead Grill, 457 Country Rd.539, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514.

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Jim for the Reed family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin, NJ was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.