METUCHEN — While mourning the loss of a beloved member of its school community, many at St. Joseph High School banded together to raise money for the family of James R. Reese Sr.
“The St. Joseph community, including the students, faculty and staff, has rallied together to support one of our own and collected over $6,272 for the Reese family to help relieve the financial burden of the medical and burial costs,” School Principal Justin Fleetwood said.
Known as “Jimmy” to those closest to him, Reese had been a member of the St. Joe’s community for many years, and for the last two, was the school’s maintenance mechanic.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda Simpson Reese; three daughters, Diane Savino, Dawn Reese Coons and Bernice Reese Sica; a son, James R. Reese, Jr.; his stepmother, Margaret Crozier Reese, of Colonia; four brothers; three sisters; twelve grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
“James Reese Sr. was a devoted husband and father, a talented plumber and general handyman, and a loyal friend to countless people in and around Middlesex County and the surrounding areas,” Brother Kevin M. Finnegan, SC, a teacher, recalled. “He loved the students, faculty and staff of St. Joseph High School, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked.”
Finnegan went on to say that Reese was so dedicated to his work at the school that he would come in on Saturdays and Sundays to water lawns, line soccer fields, cut grass or plow snow.
“It was not at all unusual for him to return to the school after the dinner hour in order to complete some project or task,” Finnegan said. “Jimmy’s hands were rough and calloused, and he usually had dirt under his fingernails. When it came time to climb up on a ladder or into a cramped crawlspace, he never hesitated.”
Often the first one to arrive in the morning and the last to leave the school, Reese brought “great dignity” to his work, and Finnegan admired him very much, he said.
Along with having a bevy of skills and a laudable work ethic, Reese also knew how to have fun, Finnegan said.
“You could talk with Jimmy about almost anything. Whether it was over a cup of coffee, sitting on the porch or standing in a patch of shade, time spent with Jimmy was always well spent,” he said. “I am a better man for having known him.”
Kevin Sweeney, a member of the senior class, extended heartfelt condolences to Reese’s family and friends. Kevin said he hoped the family knew “that we share in your grief and that we will be praying for you in the difficult days ahead.”
Donations for the Reese Family may be sent to St. Joseph High School, Attention: Development Office, 145 Plainfield Ave., Metuchen N.J. 08840.