James Spofford Reeve II

James Spofford Reeve II
February 3, 1940 – July 23, 2022

Jim Reeve passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin at the age of 82. He was born in Appleton, Wisconsin on February 3, 1940. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Paxton Reeve and Jean Shannon Reeve, as well as his two younger sisters Elizabeth (Betsy) Reeve Hansen and Barbara Buckland Reeve.

A service for Jim will take place on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, 2565 N. Genesee Street in Delafield, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place at the church from 11am-12:45 pm and the funeral service will begin at 1pm. The family will have a private interment of ashes at a later date. Additionally, future memorial services for Jim will be scheduled at Tudor Oaks Senior Community as well as in Ephraim, Wisconsin.

Jim was devoted to his wife of 58 years, Ann Elizabeth Wartinbee Reeve. He was the loving father of Helen (Eric) Conlon, Libby (Jon) Baranko, Lucy Reeve, and Jamie (Maggie) Reeve. He was a proud and adoring “Papa” to eight grandkids: Ryan, Rob, and Drew Baranko; Catie and Maggie Conlon; Olivia, Max, and Lily Reeve. Additionally, he formed special relationships with his cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws, and other beloved family members.

Jim was raised in Appleton and summered in Ephraim, at his family’s cottage. He attended Lawrence University before transferring to the University of Wisconsin- Madison where he met the love of his life, Ann. Together, Jim and Ann raised their four children in De Pere and New Berlin, Wisconsin.

Many memories were harvested during family vacations and road trips. Jim and Ann enjoyed international travels with dear friends. He enjoyed learning about the history and culture of each place they visited, no matter the itinerary or destination.

Jim prioritized family and supported his children’s unique passions and interests. He coached multiple sports teams, led youth groups, and carpooled without complaint. He was a superfan who rarely missed a game or performance. Jim’s encouragement, commitment and care were unwavering.

Jim enjoyed time with friends and family, playing golf, watching sports, and spending time on the water. He loved laughing, sharing jokes and riddles. Jim tackled jigsaw puzzles, daily Sudokus and read for pleasure, choosing history and politics among his primary interests.

His career in sales, engineering and management spanned nearly five decades, working for Wisconsin Bell, Ameritech, AT&T, and other telecommunication companies. Along the way he forged many friendships with colleagues and clients alike.

In retirement, Jim served as a lay chaplain at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. He compassionately counseled patients and their families making difficult times more comfortable. The connections Jim made while volunteering at the hospital were special and left an imprint on his heart.

Leading by example, Jim was a “do-er” who generously volunteered with numerous organizations including Rotary, Lions Club, Telephone Pioneers, United Way, MOLLUS, St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Tudor Oaks Senior Community, Ephraim Men’s Club, as well as the Ephraim Historical Foundation.

Ephraim, and specifically his family’s cottage, were truly Jim’s happy places. He spent portions of all 82 summers there. Once retired, Jim spent the summer season living at Cedar Harbor where he cherished his time with family and friends. His lifelong routine of watching the sailboats pass and playing golf were continued through his final days.

In Ephraim, Jim’s volunteerism ran deep. Like his father, Jim was active with the Ephraim Historical Foundation where he passionately promoted and helped preserve the history of his favorite village. He loved leading walking and tram tours for residents and tourists alike. Each August, he helped raise college scholarships for local students through the Ephraim Men’s Club Annual Pancake Breakfast. This past June, Jim was humbled and honored to be chosen as “Chieftain” for Ephraim’s Fyr Bal Festival.

In lieu of flowers and to continue Jim’s legacy of helping others, his wish was for donations to be made to an organization of your choice.