Willie "James" Reid was born on September 2, 1938 to Willie and John Wesley Reid (Greenville, SC). At the age of four he was adopted by his beloved Christian parents, Mabel and Theodore Jacobs. James spent many days in church getting closer to God through the guidance of his Cincinnati family. On August 4, 1962 Bettie and James "caught" each other and started their 55-year marriage filled with fond memories. As part of their union James was blessed to gain additional parents in Rosa and Eugene Warmack (mother/father in-law). Rosa made sure we all knew James could do no wrong. Bettie and James were blessed with two lovely daughters, Lisa Yvette Reid and Gina LaNore Bannister (Michael Sr.). He cherished his two grandsons, Michael Clay Patrick Bannister Jr. and Miles James Bannister. Michael Sr. affectionally called him "Chief" as a designation to his place in the family. Michael Jr. and Miles just knew him as their "PaPa". James also leaves behind his sister Rev. Margaret Jacobs. Sister-in-laws: Olivia Riggins, Shirley Johnson (Kenneth) and Zelmalean Warmack (Percy Sr.) In addition, he was blessed to have his nieces: Nancy Robinson (Jack), Judith Gibson, Lori Clifford (Sean), Denise Gibson and Jessie Smith. Nephews: Darwin, Daryl Sr. (Wanda), Mark (Janet) and Erwin Gibson. James was also blessed to have a whole host of other nieces and nephews. Preceded in death are sisters Alice Crosby, Beatrice Gibson (Simon) and Alberta Rousey. James graduated from Central High School where he played his favorite sport, football. James played fullback on the varsity team and enjoyed "hitting". He later studied for 3 years at UC/Ohio Mechanics Institute (OMI) welding, machinery, mechanics and air conditioning. His career included being a Master Baker at Birdie's, Cricket and Servatis. He later used his education and skills as a Welder at Ortner Freight Co. where he built freight cars. James later became a Machinist at Cincinnati Milacron. As "Willie" advanced in his career he became one of the first African-Americans to be hired by P&G as a Certified Welder/Machinist. He retired from P&G in 1994. His favorite hobbies and past time included fishing, watching football (Raiders) and just spending time with his grandsons. Michael and Miles pushed him to fight through many challenging days and allowed him to see better days were on the way. James also loved spending time in the yard tending to his roses and garden. He enjoyed the chance to take over projects such as fixing washers and dryers and car repairs. James would often proclaim "these hands and a few scraps" He knew he could do anything once he set his mind to it. Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at the Allen Temple AME Church, 7030 Reading Road, Cincinnati (45237). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. To share a memory of Willie or leave a special message for the Reid family, please click the Share Button below. Walker Funeral Home of Cincinnati is serving the Reid family. Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.

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