Roll Call Tribute

James Smithson Reynolds, IV 

July 7, 1992 - July 4, 2025 

Dear God, We know that life marches on its many stages. We are born; we grow in stature and character; we share love with family and friends; and in every life there is a time we release into God’s waiting arms. But, our footprints remain…

It is with profound sadness, shock, and grief that we announce the unexpected death of James Smithson Reynolds, IV on July 4, 2025.

James was born on July 7, 1992 to James S. Reynolds, III and Jennifer Dunham Reynolds (Gary) in Huntsville, Texas. As a young child James was intrigued by any vehicle with a siren – fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars. He visited many a fire station with his paternal grandparents, James S. and Judy Reynolds of Richardson, Texas. James also enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling with his Mom, aunts, uncles, and cousins. James loved reading and math, building models, playing with Pokemon cards, Digimon, Star Wars, dogs and cats, and skateboarding.

In 2004, his mom Jennifer married John Gary who became a wonderful Dad, role model, mentor, teacher, and friend to James. James was thrilled when his brother, Jack was born in 2007.

James met the love of his life, Krista Lauer, while attending Texas A&M. They were married in 2014 and blessed to have three precious daughters – Riley (10), Reagan (7), and Parker (3, soon to be 4). James adored his family and was so very, very proud of each of his girls. They enjoyed many family activities together - Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, zoos and children’s museums, Peppa Pig World of Play, Renaissance festivals, reading bedtime stories, playing with their pets, solving math problems, playing games, and just being together!

James graduated from Navarro High School in 2010. He received his B.S. Degree in Applied Mathematics from Texas A&M University (College Station) in 2014. By profession, James was a Projections Actuary with Genworth and had recently become a member of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

James was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Reynolds, his grandfather, Jim Reynolds, his grandmother, Jane Day Reynolds, his maternal grandparents Wallace and Vivian Dunham, his aunt Ashley Taylor VanVoorhis, and his father-in-law, Mark Lauer.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Krista, and their three daughters—Riley, Reagan, and Parker - who were his whole world. He is also survived by his mom and dad, Jennifer and John Gary, and his cherished younger brother, Jack Gary.

He is survived by his mother-in-law, Kerry Lauer; brothers-in-law David Lauer (Erica) and sons Adam, Luke, and Evan; and Matt Lauer (Kim) and their sons, Malakai and Elliott. He is lovingly remembered by his grandmother, Judy Reynolds and grandparents, Andrew and Carol Gary. He leaves behind aunts, uncles, and cousins who treasured him deeply: Chris and Laura Dodgen, Scott and Marie Dunham, Glenn and Jenifer Gary, Robert and Laura Gary, Mike and Jessica Brown, Tom VanVoorhis, and John Reynolds of Madisonville, TX. James is also survived by his amazing cousins who were like siblings! Reid (Ruby) Dodgen, Cassie (Jeff) Zavala, Josh (Samantha) Dodgen, Mackenzie Coppedge (Daniel Roriques), Raleigh Coppedge, and Charles Brotzell, Warren Gary, Duncan Gary, Makenna Gary, Kellen Gary, Becca Brown, Caroline (Ben) Kramer, Natalie (Steele) Walker, and Morgan VanVoorhis.

James will also be missed by many other relatives, colleagues, teachers, and friends whose lives were impacted by his loyalty, compassion, hard work, and determination.

The family asks for privacy. A memorial service is planned for a later date.