James "Jim" Arthur Reese, aged 86, of Albany, MO, departed peacefully on February 18th, 2024. Throughout his adventurous life, Jim cultivated close-knit communities with hisgift for fun and love of life. His ability to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, inviting others to share in moments of fellowship, camaraderie, (and always a dance, of course!) combined with genuine care and willingness to invest himself wholeheartedly in those who crossed his path, leave an indelible mark on the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on June 18th, 1937, in Marshall, MN, Jim was the eldest child of Warren Larson Reese and Eva Sarah (Schroeder) Reese. He gleaned so much form his parents whose home was built on a Christian foundation, family togetherness, a strong work ethic, and service to others.   Upon graduating from high school in 1955, Jim pursued higher education at the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering degree with a minor in Business Administration. His time at the university was marked by several leadership roles. It was during his college years that he met and married Joanne (Korte), the love of his life.

The Trane Company of LaCrosse, WI, hired Jim out of college. He and Joanne were blessed with four children, a farm,and horses. Jim's career began with engineering sales followed by various positions in management.  In 1971, following acollaboration with HVAC pioneer Frank Dean, Jim accepted a position as president and COO of Temperature Industries Corporation in Kansas City, MO. In 1985, he became Chairman and CEO and shortly thereafter orchestrated a management leveraged buyout of the company and eventual sale to York International in 1989. He held several positions with York, a number of those years spent in England. In 2004, Jim left Yorkand he co-started Air Fixture and Walnut Manufacturing to design and manufacture innovative ductless air distribution systems until his retirement in 2010 at their dream farm in Albany, MO.

Throughout his life, Jim contributed his vibrant leadership and enthusiasm by serving in many organizations, including the Minnesota National Guard; Elder, Presbyterian Church; past Chairman of the Board - Heart of America Job Therapy; Past Kansas City CARE Committee Head; Charter member of Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship; Rotary Club 13 - Paul Harris Fellow; Regional Board of Directors – Mercantile Bank, Kansas City, MO; Board of Directors of Feteris Mercantile International, The Hague, Netherlands; M-2 (Man to Man) Prison Inmate sponsor; Board of Directors - K Life; Promise Keepers; Board of Directors - Hope Mission Outreach, Bethany, MO; 11 missions trips to Haiti; past Chairman - New Hampton Christian Church; member of Albany First Baptist; charter member of New Beginnings Church, Albany, MO.

Jim lived life fully and passionately, squeezing every drop out of each moment, smiling his big fun-loving grin all the way. He enjoyed traveling, adventure, meeting people, tackling any challenge before him. He was generous and forgiving, caring more about helping others than worldly success.  He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his family and the incredible friends along the way.

In every chapter of his life, Jim's relationships were a testament to his genuine warmth, generosity, and unwavering loyalty. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched, an example of the power of faith and friendship and the profound impact one individual can have on the world around them.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Eva Reese; his parents-in-law, Bill and Wanda Korte; his dear brother, Bill Reese and his precious daughter-in-law, RoseReese. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joanne; two daughters and their spouses, Cindy (Raymond) Russell of Henderson, TX, Andrea (Karl) Wagner of Prairie Village, KS; two sons, Curt Reese of Olathe, KS and Chris Reese of Stillwell, KS. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren starting with their first grandchild, Shanon (Jeff) Sieb, followed by Reese (Scarlette) Wagner, Amanda Russell, Sophie Wagner, Shaffer Russell, and Kaylee and Ava Reese; and 4 great-grandchildren, Chris Buscemi, Julia Buscemi, Sam Buscemi, and Riverton Wagner. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Ogle (Dr. Dick) of Lakeville, MN, Marylin Webber (Jon) of Simsbury, CT, and Susie Freng (Paul) of Miltona, MN; sister-in-law Judy Reese of Alexandria, MN; sister-in-law Carolyn (Korekiyo) Terada of Fukuoka, Japan, brother-in-law Mark (Renee) Korte of Ione, CA; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

An informal celebration of Jim's life will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, starting at 1:30 PM at Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W 87th St Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66219.

Memorial Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, June 15 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to New Beginnings Church Building Fund, 1002 N. 10th Street, Albany MO, 64402.