Life long Meade County rancher and former county commissioner, James Rue "Jimmie" Reed passed away in Sturgis, SD, on September 16, 2012, due to complications from heart failure.

He was born July 3, 1926, at home in the original log house at the Reed Ranch on Brushie Creek, SD, to James G.. and Hannah Doerfler Reed, the fifth of seven children. The attending midwife, neighbor Julia McCabe, later became his grandmother-in-law.

Jim began his education in nearby country schools, attended Faith High School for three years and graduated from Sturgis High School in 1945, and was immediately drafted into the US Army. He served in Germany for a year and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Home on leave, Jim married Peggy Robbins on October 27, 1945. They ranched on Brushie Creek, and raised five children before relocating to the  Sturgis area in 1988.

Jim loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, neighbors, and friends.

His palomino horses were a lifelong joy. He also valued preserving the pioneer heritage, including passing on the skills of his father and grandfather to train and drive a six horse freight hitch with a jerk-line.

He served on several state and local government boards including the Meade County Commission for 12 years, the South Dakota State Brand board, the South Dakota State Weed and Pest Board, and the South Dakota Commission of School and Public Lands. He held numerous offices as a lifetime member, including president of South Dakota Farm Bureau; also, as a lifelong member of the Faith United Methodist Church, he served in many roles, including leadership of the Church Council during the construction of new church building in early 1980's.

He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Evelyn M. "Peggy" RobbinsReed; his five children, Cynthia Reed (Marc) Lamphere, Miles (Wendy) Reed, Ethane (Donna) Reed, Jason (Susie) Reed, and Judd (Shirley) Reed; his sisters, Opal Reed Burton and Darlene Reed Stovall; nine grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; four siblings, John Bennett, Richard, Elsie, and Riley; and one granddaughter, Janel.

A memorial has been established to the First United Methodist Church in Faith.

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