James A Reeder

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James A. Reeder on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at Southern Ocean Medical Center after a brief struggle with acute leukemia. He was born in Bordentown, NJ to Alvin and Catherine Drugan Reeder on December 28, 1940. He attended the local Bordentown schools and Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA. He was a proud 50 year member of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers - Local Number Five.

Jim married the love of his life, JoAnne Marolda, on July 3, 1965 and for the next 55 years they lived a life filled with love and laughter. Their first home was a cottage with barn in Bordentown which was soon occupied with basset hounds, cats, chickens, ducks, sheep, two orphaned raccoons, and any other animal that needed rescue. Seven years later they moved to an 1861 farm house in Chesterfield, NJ that was untouched by time. Jim was a master craftsman in masonry and carpentry and lovingly restored the house back to its original state. During this time his daughters, Maggie and Molly, were born. They were his pride and joy throughout his life. The old farm house was then sold and the family and one dog began a 2 ½ year journey from Canada to the Keys in a pop up camper. It was another exciting chapter in a life well lived. He enjoyed sailing and surfing and got the chance to do that again when they returned to New Jersey and settled on Long Beach Island where he began his own masonry business. His craftsmanship was legendary. Good enough was never good enough. He was so happy to welcome two sons-in-law when each of his daughters married wonderful and loving men. Then came the grandchildren! There is not one person who knew or met him that didn’t get an earful about his six grandchildren who lovingly called him Ding Ding. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them and just like his wife, daughters, and sons-in-law, the grandchildren returned the love and devotion he felt for them. His last position was at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Brant Beach as a member of the maintenance staff. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife JoAnne, his daughters Maggie(Neil), Molly(Jack), grandchildren Emily(Ryan), Jadie, Isabella, Lilly, Liam, and Poppy, brother Thomas, brothers-in-law Dickie and Tommy and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Jim’s youngest granddaughter told us that her “Ding Ding had become an angel. We believe her. This child’s love for her grandfather and her pure and simple faith allows her to see what is not always visible to the eyes of those who have grown up.

Jim Reeder…. a wonderful man who loved and was dearly loved in return.

The family would like to thank the Friars and Sister Pat of St. Francis of Assisi Parish as well as the staff and faith community for their condolences and comfort. We also would like to thank Dr. Todd Schmoll, Dr. Tome Nascimento, and Dr. Evan Naylor for their compassionate care.

Due to the virus, a memorial service at St. Francis Church will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Township, NJ 08008.

The arrangements were handled by the Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin, NJ.

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