James M. Reed, 75, of Fort Dodge, Kan. passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025 at the Kansas Soldiers’ Home.

James was born on Jan. 15, 1950 in North Platte, the son of James J. and Gladys (Hill) Reed.

From 1st grade onward, he attended McDaid Elementary School. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1968. James furthered his education, receiving his Associates of Arts degree from Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte in 1972.

He served in the United States Navy from 1968-1974. His highlight during his service to his country was his participation in the recovery of the Apollo 13 capsule in April of 1970. After returning home, he worked as an assistant manager of Pizza Hut. James then shifted to a career at the Union Pacific Railroad as a machinist. He then moved to Kansas, where he was employed at the VA as a housekeeper for 18 years.

James will be remembered for his enjoyment of bowling, golfing, and watching his Kansas City Chiefs.

James is survived by his two sisters, Mary Ellen (Paul) Pedersen of North Platte and Susan Coe of Lemoyne; two brothers, Tom (Cathy) Reed of North Platte and Ron (Lois) Reed of Laughlin, Nev.; sons, Michael (Taiza) Reed of Lincoln, Jason (Tisha) Reed of Omaha and Phillip Reed of Hoover, Ala.; grandchildren, Sydney, Lariya, Ivy, Sebastian, Jubilee, Charlotte, Amberlyn, Jakob and Justin Reed; and numerous nephews, nieces, and other loved ones.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 14 at 11 a.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Fr. Vidya Sagar Arikotla officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Family requests casual wear at the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kansas Soldiers’ Home at 201 US-400, Fort Dodge, KS 67843.

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