James Calvin (Pete) McReynolds was born on January11, 1921. He entered into eternal rest on March 24, 2016. Pete was 95 years young. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVesa (Bivins) McReynolds on January 23, 2003; son James C. McReynolds, Jr. on September 5, 2013; son Gary W. McReynolds on December 13, 2014. Pete is survived by his daughter, Sharon (McReynolds) Sobotka; two grandchildren, Matthew Flowers and Kimberly Schibi; three great grandchildren, Gabrielle, Gianna and Gwen.
Pete was a WWII veteran and exemplified the life of the greatest generation. He did not like to speak about his wartime experiences. He was a member of General George Patton’s 3rd Army. He landed on Utah Beach on June 16, 1944 and was in continuous combat until May 1945. He remained in Europe for six months after Germany surrendered as a member of Allied Occupation Forces. Pete was Corporal in Battery A 120th AAA Batalon. The five stars on his uniform (Normandy, Northern France, Andennes, Rhineland, Central Europe) attest to the battles he participated in. However, his combat began in England where his battery provided anti3 aircraft protection for American and British military aircraft protection for American and British military facilities.In an oral history by a fellow member of the 120th, it was reported that many soldiers and civilians were treated to night-time fireworks display by 50 caliber and 20 millimeter tracers, along with 90mm shells and burning German aircraft falling from the skies. When Pete returned from the war, he reunited with his family in Clifton, Arizona.
Pete met the love of his life, LaVesa M. Bivins. They were married on November 2, 1946. After 56 years, LaVesa passed away November 2, 2003. During those years, they moved to Chicago where Pete (on the GI Bill) studied to become an Electronics Engineer. They returned to Phoenix and Pete got hired by Motorola, where he worked for almost 40 years. They had three children: Sharon in 1951, James in 1953 and Gary in 1954. 4 Their time was consumed with Jobs Daughters, Cub Scouts, Church and extended family in Yuma and Clifton. Pete loved camping, fishing and hunting. He loved the beautiful rivers, lakes, deserts and mountains of Arizona. The “Greatest Generation” freed the world of tyranny - then they came home to build the greatest country in the world. Pete will be missed along with his fleeting generation. The family is grateful and thankful that we had him for 95 years, with sound mind and living independently for 93 of his 95 years. PETE, YOU ARE LOVED AND MISSED!
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