Obituary of James Reed

James S. Reed, 80, of Howell Township passed away peacefully on Monday at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Jim was born in Spring Lake Heights and was a lifelong resident of Freehold-Howell Township area. After graduating from Freehold Regional High School, he worked for a time in the 1950's at the Clayton Funeral Home, then with Freehold Lumber Company and finally at the Nestle Company, Freehold for 25 years retiring in 1994. He was also life member of the Adelphia Fire Company where he served as a Chief during 1959 and 1960. Jim was recently honored bedside at the hospital for 60 years of active service to the fire company. He also served on the Howell Township District 2 Board of Fire Commissioners. Back in the day, Jim was active with the fire company softball team as well as being an avid bowler in the Monday and Thursday night leagues at Howell Lanes. Most of all, Jim will be remembered for his love of his family and friends and the ability to make you smile, truly one of the good guys. . Jim was the son of the late Harry, Sr. and Mary (Roe) Reed. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy (Textor) Reed in 1991; five brothers, Joseph, William, Edward, Myron and Harry, Jr.; and a sister, Amy Salls. Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara Barton Reed; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary Reed and his wife, Sue of Freehold Township and Glen Reed and his wife, Susan of Howell; a brother, Albert Reed of West Liberty, Iowa; two grandchildren, Christopher Reed and Kelly Reed; and an extended family of in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Visiting at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 & 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 11:00 AM funeral service at the funeral home on Friday, February 17, 2012. Interment to follow in the Adelphia Cemetery, Adelphia. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Bethesda United Methodist Church, PO Box 245, Adelphia, NJ 07710 or the Adelphia Fire Company, PO Box 125, Adelphia, NJ 07710. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com