James M. Reed, age 75, of Fort Dodge, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025 at the Kansas Soldiers’ Home.
James was born on January 15, 1950 in North Platte, Nebraska, the son of James J. and Gladys (Hill) Reed.
From 1st grade onward, he attended McDaid Elementary School. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1968. James furthered his education, receiving his Associates of Arts degree from Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, Nebraska, in 1972.
He served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1974. His highlight during his service to his country was his participation in the recovery of the Apollo 13 capsule in April of 1970. After returning home, he worked as an assistant manager of Pizza Hut. James then shifted to a career at the Union Pacific Railroad as a machinist. He then moved to Kansas, where he was employed at the VA as a housekeeper for 18 years. James will be remembered for his enjoyment of bowling, golfing, and watching his Kansas City Chiefs.
James is survived by his two sisters Mary Ellen (Paul) Pedersen of North Platte and Susan Coe of Lemoyne; two brothers Tom (Cathy) Reed of North Platte and Ron (Lois) Reed of Laughlin, NV; sons Michael (Taiza) Reed of Lincoln, Jason (Tisha) Reed of Omaha, and Phillip Reed of Hoover, AI; grandchildren Sydney, Lariya, Ivy, Sebastian, Jubilee, Charlotte, Amberlyn, Jakob, and Justin Reed; and numerous nephews, nieces, and other loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kansas Soldiers’ Home at 201 US-400, Fort Dodge, KS 67843.
Funeral Services were held Monday, April 14, 2025 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Father Vidya Sagar Arikotla officiating. Burial followed at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.
Family requests casual wear at the service.
