Jim Reed was born almost one century ago on February 23, 1926 in New Liskeard, Ontario. He
was raised just outside of Larder Lake by his parents Ed and Mary Reed.
Jim and Hope Marsh were married in 1948 and spent 51 happy years together until Hope’s
passing in 1999. They owned and operated Reed’s Restaurant and Cottages for a number of
years before selling the business to his brother, Chuck, in 1959. Jim then attended North Bay
Teachers’ College and spent the next 26 year in the profession, spending the first four
memorable years teaching in Mattagami First Nation’s one – room school. The family then
moved back to Kenogami where he taught in Matachewan and then later in Kirkland Lake.
Jim loved the Lord Jesus and spent his life in service to Him. He was one of the founders of
Kirkland Lake Bible Chapel and was on the Board of Northland Bible Camp at Butler Lake for
many years. He loved the outdoors, whether prospecting, picking blueberries or just enjoying
all that this great northland had to offer.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Ed and Mary Reed, his wife, Hope; brothers Charles and
Robert and sister Jean. He is survived by his sister Ruth, his son Nat (Joyce) and daughter
Emmy, as well as by four grandsons, Nathan (Cynthia), Jason (Mikki), Eric (Leyna) and Joel
(Sonja); nine great grandchildren, Hope, Ella, Caleb, Isaac, Willow, Elijah, Neely, Charlotte and
Weston. He is also leaves behind nieces and nephews, Norm (Dorothy), Dave (Joanne), Janice,
Patty (Steve), Mable-Ann, Danny, Suzanne & Ray Marsh.
Jim made an indelible impression on so many of the people he encountered during his long life.
His example as an earnest Christian, good neighbor and family patriarch will live on in the lives of those who follow in his path. He will be sorely missed.
His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Teck Pioneer staff who cared for
him over these last five months. Your care and kindness towards him was noticed and
appreciated. We would also like to thank Betty Smallwood and the palliative care team & their volunteers & the nurses who guided and supported us.
A special thank-you to Doug and Betty Robinson who were such wonderful & loyal friends to
our Dad throughout these many years, right up to his final days.
There will be a Graveside Service held in spring 2026. Details to follow.
Sympathy Messages
Emmy, and family; my condolences to you all. It was a pleasure to have known Jim & care for him at Teck Pioneer. He was a great man. Sorry for your loss.
May my support warm your heart
- Savannah Smith, on
February 12, 2026
So many wonderful childhood memories at Reeds Cottages with Mr and Mrs Reed I loved them and was so devastated to move away when we did. May he rest in peace with Hope. My condolences to all the family, what a beautiful life.
May my support warm your heart
- Lissa Renaud , on
February 13, 2026
Emmy, Nat and family; I’m so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I’m so grateful to have known your dad (and mom), your family all these years. Many fond memories to cherish a lifetime. He will be missed deeply by family, friends.
- Angie Renaud, on
February 13, 2026
Emmy, Nat and family; I’m so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I’m so grateful to have known your dad (and mom), your family all these years. Many fond memories to cherish a lifetime. He will be missed deeply by family, friends.
May my support warm your heart
- Angie Renaud, on
February 13, 2026
Emmy, Nat and family, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was truly one of the best men I have known - generous, kind and wise. I treasure the time I spent with your dad and your wonderful mom; they both showed me so much love and kindness. My heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
- Lori Davis, on
February 13, 2026
Nat,Emmy Lou and family
Very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing
Joe & Lyn Lenardon
- Carolyn Lenardon, on
February 13, 2026
Nat, Emmy, Ruth and the Reed Family.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Your Dad and Mom were dear friend and neighbours to our entire family and a wonderful and caring presence in our lives for over 70 years.
Your Dad will certainly be missed.
Sincerely,
Brenda (Duncan) and Gary Grabowski
- Brenda and Gary Grabowski , on
February 13, 2026
Emily, Nat and Joyce,
My deepest condolences to all of Jim's loved ones. Jim had a sense of humor I enjoyed. We had many discussions about Larder and V-Town, his guiding experiences and anecdotes of his teaching posts. A better man is hard to find. RIP Jim.
May my support warm your heart
- Ellen Watson, on
February 14, 2026
Emmy Nat Joyce. Jim was a very Godly man. He was the backbone of the Kirkland Lake Bible Chapel. he is with his Beloved Hope Now and with Our Saviour. I miss them deeply. Dave Bigras.
- David bigras, on
February 15, 2026
Joyce & Nat, family: It is hard to lose loved ones. May he rest in peace now that he is in the presence of the Lord and may you always find comfort in your fond memories of him.
- Donna Hirvilammi, on
February 16, 2026
It’s hard to imagine a world without my dear Uncle Jim. I loved him dearly. May he rest in peace.
- Patricia Kempf, on
February 16, 2026
The Retired Teachers of District 5 (Entente Education Canada-formerly known as RTO ERO) would like to send our sincere condolences to James family. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
May my support warm your heart
- Carla T Comand-Desmarais , on
February 21, 2026
Our sincere condolences on the loss of one out neighbours.
We will miss seeing him on his walks on the Eby roads with Emmy.
Marya and James Brunelle
- Marya Brunelle, on
February 23, 2026
I just wanted to extend my condolences to the Reed family. I just heard that Jim passed away. He was my teacher in Matachewan back in the 1970’s. He was a kind and rather quiet man.
- Kevin Taman, on
March 2, 2026
I had the pleasure of teaching with Jim for one year. He was a true gentleman in every meaning of the word. Quiet and self-effacing. Also mischievous. He would come out with statements just to get me going and I often fell for it. And then he would grin.
- Ian Salonius, on
March 6, 2026
I am just seeing this now (April 13, 2026) Mr. Reed will always be my favourite teacher. I had the opportunity to touch base with him at the Matachewan Reunion where we had the opportunity to tour the school. My purpose in going there was to step into Mr. Reeds room and reflect on the impact he had on me. I walked into the classroom, and to my delight, there he was standing there with his hands in his pocket, his back to me but I knew it was him. I said; 'Mr. Reed!' He turned around and with the biggest smile he said; 'Kathy' I was so touched that he remembered me. I was happy that I had that chance to say Thank-you for providing a safe place to learn. And in those moments, he was still the teacher wanting to make sure that I felt good about myself. What a kind soul he was. He used to read a chapter of The Hardy Boys right after lunch everyday. I remember his smile and his kindness and his genuine heart to ensure that we felt good about ourselves. Rest in Peace, Mr. Reed. Kathy Carré (Rowan)
- Kathy Carre, on
April 13, 2026
Write a sympathy message:
