James William “Jim” Reynolds

September 28, 1951 – June 2, 2026

James William “Jim” Reynolds passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born on September 28, 1951, in Warrensburg, Missouri, the son of JS and Jo Nell Reynolds. He graduated from Odessa High School where he played in marching band and played basketball . He was a member of the Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church and regularly attended Camp Cumberland where he met his future wife, Donna.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Terry Reynolds.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Donna Reynolds; brothers Don Reynolds (Freda) and Tom Reynolds (Phyllis); son James Reynolds (Tamara ), son Jason Reynolds (Lynn), daughter Erin Hoefle (T. R.) and grandchildren Carson and Anna Reynolds, Tobin and Soren Hoefle.

Following his graduation from Central Missouri, he pursued a career in teaching and coaching in several Missouri schools, coaching basketball, baseball, football and track. In 1985 he transitioned to insurance liability claims handling, a profession he excelled at and continued to work at until a month before his death.

Jim had a lifelong passion for baseball. He loved collecting baseball memorabilia and spent countless enjoyable hours playing Strat-O-Matic Baseball. His favorite player was Lou Gehrig, whose character and perseverance he greatly admired. Family and friends were continually impressed by Jim’s remarkable knowledge of baseball history and statistics. Whether discussing legendary players, memorable seasons, or obscure records, Jim always seemed to have the answer.

In addition to baseball, Jim was an avid genealogist who devoted countless hours to researching and documenting his family’s history. He took great pride in tracing generations of his ancestors and preserving their stories for future generations. His curiosity and dedication created a lasting family legacy that will continue to be appreciated for years to come.

Above all, Jim was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose kindness, loyalty, and steady presence enriched the lives of those around him. His family was his greatest source of pride and joy.

Jim will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Jim’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum online at http://nlbm.com/donations/ 

Services will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026 at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. A private family burial will be held on a later date at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278