Roll Call Tribute
James "Jim" Reeb '91 September 18, 2017 9:16 AM updated: September 18, 2017 9:18 AM
Published in Belleville (IL) News-Democrat on Sept. 17, 2017
James E. "Jim" Reeb(1951 - 2017)
James Reeb
James "Jim" Edmund Reeb, 65, of Newburg, Mo., born on December 17, 1951 at St. Mary's Hospital in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away on September 7, 2017.
Jim attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School and Althoff Catholic HS, before studying at Oklahoma State University, where he met the love of his life, Delores Heilaman. He received a BS degree in 1976 and an MS degree in Forest Products in 1979, and began working for Weyerhaeuser in Oklahoma. In 1983, they welcomed their son, Bradly J. Reeb into the world and in 1984 their daughter Melissa R. Reeb.
Jim completed his Ph.D. in Forestry and Natural Resources at Texas A&M in 1990, and accepted the position as Professor of Wood Products at the University of Kentucky. There, in collaboration with other agencies, he initiated the Kentucky Master Logger Program, which won the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. In 1994 he accepted the position as Professor of Value Added Forestry at Oregon State University and moved his family to the beautiful state of Oregon.
At OSU, Jim worked with faculty and administration and served on graduate students' dissertation committees. He authored publications, secured research grants, created seminars and workshops, and presented papers in the USA, Mexico and Canada. He served in leadership positions in organizations and national societies, and had a strong reputation for collaboration and professionalism.
Jim had strong family values and was proud of his two children. He found joy serving as an amateur tour guide for his family and friends in the Northwest and all over the country. Jim had a real passion for nature and loved sharing his knowledge and experiences with others. In 2016 Jim and Dee finally retired and moved to their farm in Newburg, Mo., where they set out to realize their dream of owning a farm, wagon rides and fishing with grandkids, and being close to extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn and Conrad Reeb; and sister, Catherine Kosar.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Delores, nee Heilaman, Reeb, whom he married in 1976; children, Brad and Melissa (Brian) Crosswhite; granddaughter, Aubrianna Crosswhite; siblings, Conrad (Sabine) Reeb, Rene Reeb Ph.D., Patricia (Jack) Goddard; brother-in-law, Lawrence Kosar; and his mother-in-law, Dennalee Heilaman. He also left behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and pets.
Condolences for the family may be sent to PO Box 54, Newburg, MO 65550, and any memorials may be made to The Conrad J. & Kathryn J Reeb and A. Vincent and Catherine L Mudd Families Fund, est. 2/14/1990 by Dr. Rene Reeb at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, (601) 815-3302. Memorials may also be mad to the Belleville Area Humane Society (618) 235-3712 in memory of Jim's love of animals.
Services: In keeping with Jim's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service.
James E. "Jim" Reeb(1951 - 2017)
James Reeb
James "Jim" Edmund Reeb, 65, of Newburg, Mo., born on December 17, 1951 at St. Mary's Hospital in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away on September 7, 2017.
Jim attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School and Althoff Catholic HS, before studying at Oklahoma State University, where he met the love of his life, Delores Heilaman. He received a BS degree in 1976 and an MS degree in Forest Products in 1979, and began working for Weyerhaeuser in Oklahoma. In 1983, they welcomed their son, Bradly J. Reeb into the world and in 1984 their daughter Melissa R. Reeb.
Jim completed his Ph.D. in Forestry and Natural Resources at Texas A&M in 1990, and accepted the position as Professor of Wood Products at the University of Kentucky. There, in collaboration with other agencies, he initiated the Kentucky Master Logger Program, which won the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. In 1994 he accepted the position as Professor of Value Added Forestry at Oregon State University and moved his family to the beautiful state of Oregon.
At OSU, Jim worked with faculty and administration and served on graduate students' dissertation committees. He authored publications, secured research grants, created seminars and workshops, and presented papers in the USA, Mexico and Canada. He served in leadership positions in organizations and national societies, and had a strong reputation for collaboration and professionalism.
Jim had strong family values and was proud of his two children. He found joy serving as an amateur tour guide for his family and friends in the Northwest and all over the country. Jim had a real passion for nature and loved sharing his knowledge and experiences with others. In 2016 Jim and Dee finally retired and moved to their farm in Newburg, Mo., where they set out to realize their dream of owning a farm, wagon rides and fishing with grandkids, and being close to extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn and Conrad Reeb; and sister, Catherine Kosar.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Delores, nee Heilaman, Reeb, whom he married in 1976; children, Brad and Melissa (Brian) Crosswhite; granddaughter, Aubrianna Crosswhite; siblings, Conrad (Sabine) Reeb, Rene Reeb Ph.D., Patricia (Jack) Goddard; brother-in-law, Lawrence Kosar; and his mother-in-law, Dennalee Heilaman. He also left behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and pets.
Condolences for the family may be sent to PO Box 54, Newburg, MO 65550, and any memorials may be made to The Conrad J. & Kathryn J Reeb and A. Vincent and Catherine L Mudd Families Fund, est. 2/14/1990 by Dr. Rene Reeb at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, (601) 815-3302. Memorials may also be mad to the Belleville Area Humane Society (618) 235-3712 in memory of Jim's love of animals.
Services: In keeping with Jim's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service.
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