James Howard Reaves

James H. Reaves returned to Spirit on October 15, 2010 at Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky, Ohio. He had been a resident of the Ohio Veteran's Home in Sandusky for the past 3 Y, years. James Reaves, known as Jim, was born on June 28, 1917 to James A. and Mabel Reaves in Lynchburg, VA. During childhood he moved to Portsmouth, Ohio and attended Portsmouth High School. He served in the U.S. Army Battery A 90th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment during World War II. After honorable discharge, he returned to Portsmouth. In 1948 he married Carrie Lisath. He later moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked for Inland, a division of General Motors. He retired after 34 years of service. He was a devoted family man that acted as a surrogate father to his younger siblings. A loving husband, father and Papa, he especially loved spending time with his grand children and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed sports and was an avid OSU Buckeye football fan. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mabel; sister Kate Reaves, brother Walter Lee Reaves and sister Virginia Brown; mother-in-law Inez Woodson. James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carrie; three children, Dr. Vernon (Diane) Reaves, Delores Rankins, Vicki Reaves; three grandchildren, Camille and Damon Reaves, Jamarr Mays; two great¬-grandchildren, Wesley Reaves, Makayla Reaves-Bracewell; three brothers, Leonard (Mary) Reaves, Carl (Alice) Reaves, George (Betty) Reaves, friend Kevin Rankins, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services 2 PM Friday, October 22, 2010 in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long Street, where the family will receive visitors 1pm until the start of the service. Interment in Glen Rest Memorial Estates. The family wishes to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Ohio Veteran's Home Staff and Hospice for the love and care that you gave Dad. Thank you so much.