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James Reynolds
0714 Obit J Reynolds
James E. ‘Jim’ Reynolds, 83, died Thursday, July 1.He was born in Water Valley, MS. His family moved to Oklahoma when he was a small child and settled in Noble, OK, working as sharecroppers growing cotton. At age 14, he went to work building a navy base at Norman, OK.He enlisted in the Navy at age 16 and served in the South Pacific during World War II. During his military service, his family moved to Oakdale. Oakdale became his home when he was discharged in 1946. Shortly after, a girl named Marie came to visit her family who lived across the street from the Reynolds. The relationship quickly developed and he married her in 1947.Mr. Reynolds was an independent trucker for 18 years, and for the last 24 years of his working career he drove trucks for Yolo Transport, a subsidiary of Carnation Company.He and his wife enjoyed their retirement, taking many road trips by car or R.V. He became an avid gardener and canner, producing vegetables for family to enjoy. He filled the shelves each summer with jars of canned fruit.He was a passionate hunter and fisherman. He went salmon fishing in Fort Bragg every summer for 46 years, the trip was a family tradition. He also enjoyed canning and smoking the salmon that he and his family caught.He enjoyed gathering for early morning coffee at Moss Rose Bakery. He was a member of Oakdale Dinner Club, Oakdale Sportsmen’s Club, and the Masons.He was admired by his family.He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marie; children, J.R. (James) Reynolds, Clinton (Janet) Reynolds, Sherlynn (Mitch) DeLap, all of Oakdale; grandchildren, Michael Reynolds, Angie Park, Shannon and Renee Reynolds, Bradley and Daniel DeLap; four great-grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter; as well as friends and family in the Riverbank and Escalon areas.He was preceded in death by his son, Danny Reynolds.A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 17 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel.In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Hospice, Inc. 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto.The Oakdale (Calif.) LeaderJuly 14, 2010