James M. Reynolds, Sr.

Jim Reynolds was born on May 14, 1950. He was a teacher, painter, gardener, handyman, comedian, friend, neighbor, brother, husband, Dad, and Pop Pop to six beautiful grandkids who thought the world of him.

Jim grew up in Derby, attended Shelton High School, and Southern CT State University where he met his wife Jeannette whom he married in 1974. Jim taught P.E. in Bridgeport for several years and later became a science teacher at Bethel Middle School where he also coached boys basketball for over 40 years. He made many wonderful friends along the way - relationships which he cherished greatly. “Gentleman Jim”, as he was referred to, was always the first to step up and help others. After retiring in 2015, Jim spent his days gardening with Jeannette, fixing toys for his grandchildren, visiting friends, barbecuing for family dinners, cheering on the Mets and Jets, grabbing a hot dog at a local shop, and entertaining his grandkids. Jim loved his family, friends, and neighbors. He will be missed every day for the rest of our lives and left a positive everlasting influence on the community. Jim is predeceased by his parents, Hubert and Florence (Middendorf) Reynolds and a nephew, Todd Reynolds.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannette (Boston) Reynolds and his three children and their spouses, Elizabeth and husband Vinny Leto, Jimmy and his wife, Sarah Hartley Reynolds, and Kathleen and her husband, John Hoey and six grandchildren, Sienna, Alexandra, Jimmy, Jack, Joey and a new grandson on the way who he was so looking forward to meeting. Jim had three siblings whom he loved dearly, Hubert Reynolds, Beth Forsell, and Colleen Sawyer. “Uncle Jim” was loved by 12 nieces and nephews as well as his sisters and brothers-in-law. He very much treasured his friendships with his neighbors, former colleagues, and “The Janers” - his childhood friends. Jim Reynolds lived a happy life surrounded by people who loved him dearly. He was truly a great man.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Church, Bethel, CT, Saturday at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Bethel.

The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, CT, Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. 

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