On the Evening of January 23, 2024, James Jackson Reese passed away at home after a courageous two year battle with cancer. Jim was born June 13, 1965 to Terry and Marjorie Reese in Milwaukee Wisconsin. He was the third born of four siblings.
Jim often reminisced of his childhood in Wisconsin getting out of school and riding his bike with his fishing pole and tackle box in hand and bringing home his catch. He grew up fishing and boating in Wisconsin with his mother, father and siblings and later continued that tradition with his own wife, children, and grandchildren. Jim loved football and being from Wisconsin himself of course he was cheese head and an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
Jim met Joanne, the love of his life, in California where they started their family. They later decided to take a leap of faith and move to Butte, Montana, where he quickly made many friends. He started work at the Flying J where he quickly moved up the ladder and managed both the restaurant and c store. After three years he decided to make a career change and went to work for the Montana State Prison where he worked for the past thirteen years.
Anyone knowing Jim knew what a larger-than-life personality he had. He was the first one to bring life to a boring party. That why in July his family will hold a celebration of life at his favorite fishing spot at Georgetown Lake where he will be the guest of honor. This is how Jim aka Moose would want to be remembered.
Jim is proceeded in death by his parents, Terry and Marjorie Reese; his cousins, Danny and Kelly; his Aunt, Carol and Uncle, Bill; and his granddaughter, Stella.
Jim is survived by his wife, Joanne Reese; his three children, Shawnee, Molly, and James Reese Jr. He is also survived by his three siblings and their wives, Maureen, Terry & Annette and Warren & Brandy Reese; his cousins, Steve Dalaney, and Lester Reese. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, Tracy, Jamie, Meagan, Andrew, William, Brian, Patrick, Leona, and Shannon.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, to which he adored, Matthew, Titan, Felicity, and Luna.
In true Jim fashion he would want us to finish this off saying Go Pack Go!!
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Jim and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Jim.
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Ronyda McMichael says
ronydamcmichael56@gmail.com when I think about Jim, I have to think about Jim and Joanne and they’re one of a kind love for each other. I say it was predestined became straight from heaven. His love for his children and his love for fishing. I couldn’t have ever met a more sweeter nicer man than him. He always has something funny to say I don’t recall ever seeing him. Really mad ever. He was just a blessing to be near and he’s going to be dearly missed because every time I see Joanne I think where is Jim because they’re two peas in a pod. Always laughing and having a good time.
Jim and Kim Salmonsen says
So sorry to hear about the loss of Jim! Lots of good memories with him while he worked at the prison! Kim and I are sending thoughts and prayers to Joanne and family!
Mrs Joanne Reese says
To my Best friend. I’m finding it hard to breathe without you. I miss you so much!
Duane says
Jim was awesome I remember when I was about 20 I’m like 100 now but we went fission he did something stupid and I sound and forward even though I’m half his size but he understood and I’ve loved him ever since and I’ve watched him grow and grow and grow I didn’t get to spend a whole Lotta time with him I’m better friends with his younger brother Warren we’ve been friends a long time and I feel terrible for his loss along with all the other crap that’s going on in the last few years and now I’m about to go so yeah I love that man specially when I saw him grow when I say grow I mean stop doing childish John crap you know like litter whatever everyone needs to learn that everyone but he was a great soul I knew it that’s why I’m friends with his brother because as soon as I made eye contact with them I knew that we were gonna be friends even though we got accused for friends stealing L O L I’m laughing so hard it’s not funny but not on here but it was a fun time in our life and we got to joke around about it well rest in peace Jim hopefully you went up and hopefully I go up and maybe we can hang out again that would be sweet
Duane says
Oh yeah and I left outside see you I’m sorry Sassy I remember being in the hospital with your mom and bringing her that in and out and the smile on her face was incredible and you were there and you are you know smiling too we never really got the chance to hang out too much but you knew what was going on you knew Warren and I were great friends and Jim I’m not trying to make this about anything but Jim I’m just saying I meant to mention to you I’m sorry I didn’t at first it’s it’s kind of Hard I can’t focus and do proper punctuation the way I used to I just say it and send it I don’t even care anymore whatever it says it’s what it says you’ll figure it out but yeah evolve and Jamie to and Meagan and Brandy of course give me the chance of a lifetime I took it and ran with it but I was too busy to enjoy life it was crazy talk about missing out on your life try traveling for 40 years and you’ll know. But Rest I peace Jim my friend