James Goss Reaves

James Goss Reaves

May 8, 1926 – March 11, 2017

James Goss Reaves, a lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Briarcliff Health & Rehabilitation Center at the age of 90 years old.

Mr. Reaves was born May 8, 1926 in Mishawaka, IN a son of the late Donald & Helen (Goss) Reaves, and was a graduate of James Whitcomb Riley High School.  He enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII, and was proud to have served his country.

As a young man he worked for his father’s business, Reaves Mayflower Moving Company, and years later worked with his two brothers, Marvin & Thomas.  He also worked as a funeral assistant with his good friends and high school classmates, John & Jean Guisingerat the Guisinger Funeral Home for many years, and later for the Palmer Funeral Homes, along with Karl Weiss Body Shop.  He was a member of Council Oak Lodge # 745, F. & AM; and Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend.

On June 9, 1947 in South Bend, he was united in marriage to Marcella June Gleeson.  Shepreceded him in death on September 9, 1987.  He was later married Leah Johnson.  She also preceded him in death in 2006. He was also preceded by his son, Charles Allen Reaves, and all three brothers, Marvin, Wayne, and Thomas.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Janine (James D.) Luczyk of South Bend; three grandchildren, Michael A. Reaves, and Tracy A. Boettcher both of South Bend; and Lynne M. Taylor of North Liberty, IN; ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, along with two sisters-in-law, Julia Reaves and Ramona Reaves, both of South Bend.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, with Rev. Greg Crump officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.  The family will receive friends form 5:00 -8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.  

Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Mr. Reaves may be offered to the American Heart Association.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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