James D. Reynolds

James D. Reynolds, age 52, of Belvidere, Illinois passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024. James was born on September 19, 1972 in Belvidere, Illinois to Cecil & Nancy (La Dosca) Reynolds. He graduated from Belvidere High School in 1990, where he played for the Belvidere Bucs as a quarterback on the football team and a pitcher & infielder on the baseball team. It was here that he met the love of his life, Melenie Weyhrauch, whom he shared the rest of his life with. After high school, Jim went on to play football and baseball at Monmouth College, where he attended until his father passed away. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Rockford University. Jim and Melenie married on June 8, 1996, and settled in Belvidere where they raised their 3 beloved children, Lucas, Kylie and Ella.

Jim served as a Community Bank President for First Mid Bank. He served as Youth Director at Belvidere Covenant Church and scouted for Belvidere High School football. Jim was also on the Rockford University Alumni Association Board, Manufacturing Connections Group at Hononegah High School, Growth Dimensions Board, and on the Literacy Council Board of Directors. He was a member of the Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association, McHenry Kiwanis, and many other organizations.

The people who knew and loved "Jimmy" will remember him as a funny, analytical, calm man, slow to anger, full of wisdom, and a true representative of Christ. He loved to watch sports and read, grill "Reynolds' burgers" and steaks, and support the dairy farmers of America by eating lots of ice cream. He served as his family's travel agent, arranging family vacations to MLB stadiums and national parks. He loved to embarrass his family with his extreme outfits. Jim passionately loved his family and his faith. He enjoyed studying the bible and loved to teach others (especially young people) about God's word. He attended Lucas's baseball & basketball games, as well as coaching his Belvidere Youth Baseball teams. Jim attended Kylie's volleyball, swim, track and band events. He also attended Ella's volleyball, dance, poms, track, and chorus events. He enjoyed storm chasing, golfing, watching sports, and investment advising with Lucas, and going out for Starbucks with Kylie & Ella.

James will be deeply missed by his wife of 28 years, Melenie; children Lucas, Kylie and Ella; brothers Fred (Peggy) Reynolds and Frank Reynolds; sister-in-law Cheryl Reynolds; father- & mother-in-law Frank and Bonnie Weyhrauch; sister-in-law Julie (Jeff) Johnson; brother-in-law Dan (Angel) Weyhrauch; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents Cecil & La Dosca Reynolds, and his brother Denham Reynolds.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for their children's education would be appreciated.

A visitation for James will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Evangelical Covenant Church, 220 E Harrison St., Belvidere, Illinois 61008. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the church. Burial will follow in Belvidere Cemetery, 1121 N. Main St., Belvidere, Illinois 61008.