James Elliott Reeves, 93, of Spartanburg, SC, died Friday, January 11, 2019 at Spartanburg Medical Center. Born September 23, 1925 in Jonesville, SC, he was the son of the late Charles Lester Reeves, Jr., and Louise Bailey Reeves. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Clayton Reeves.
He was a 1942 graduate of Woodruff High School. Following graduation, he was called to serve in the US Naval Air Force in WWII and did so until the end of the war. Returning from service, he chose to live in Spartanburg, SC, where he graduated from Cecil’s Business College.
Shortly afterwards he began his business career as credit manager with Devoe and Raynolds Co., Inc. In 1956, Jim and Margaret were transferred to Jacksonville, FL where Jim would establish and manage a new branch for the company, Devoe Paint. They were active members of Southside Baptist Church of Jacksonville. After six years in the Jacksonville branch, Jim and his family returned to Spartanburg where he would assume the position of branch manager for Devoe and Reynolds.
Jim served in various management and executive positions, earning many personal and business awards. In 1966, he became the owner of Reeves Paint Company. At the time Jim purchased the business, he was in a 51 year association with Devoe Paint Company.
It is believed his tenure with Devoe was the longest service record ever established. In August 2006, ICI, representing the Devoe division, honored him for his longtime devotion to the company, which at the time was over 62 years. A member of First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, Jim was an active member of The Seekers Sunday School class and the Fellowship class.
Having joined the Civitan Club of Spartanburg in 1946, he was very active within the club, holding club offices. He served two consecutive terms, 1977 – 1979, as club president. He served on the Civitan Community Rehabilitation board of directors as well as its chairperson.
He also served on the Junior Achievement board for a number of years. Survivors include his daughter, Jane Reeves Wells (Randy) of Spartanburg, SC; granddaughter, Caroline Hughey of Boiling Springs, SC; grandson, Philip Walker Wells of Honea Path, SC; great grandsons, Steven James Hughey, Jace and Ayden Wells; great granddaughter, Hannah Melton; a sister, Elizabeth Ivey (Rev. Robert) of Gaffney, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by a granddaughter, Amanda Wells Melton, a sister, Mary Charles McGowan, and a brother, Robert Earl Reeves. Visitation will be at 1:00 – 1:45 PM Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at First Baptist Church Spartanburg, Davis Chapel, 250 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM in the chapel, conducted by The Rev.
Bob Neely and The Rev. Sal Barone. Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Burial, with military rites, will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Memorials may be made to Spartanburg Children’s Shelter, P.O. Box 2663, Spartanburg, SC 29304 or to Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303. The family would like to give a special thank you to all of the caregivers at White Oak Estate Assisted Living for their tender, loving care.
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