Saturday, October 2, 2010

070/034 101004 In Rememberance

Picture: Jim Reams

This past week, Jim Reams, long time family friend, and mentor to Elder Eyring, passed away.

Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary: Obituaries
James Aubin Reams
(October 23, 1956 - September 28, 2010)

James Aubin Reams self-less, giving, husband, best friend, dedicated father, great example, hero, number one fan, our rock, friend, and adored Papa, finished his work on this earth and returned home to his Heavenly Father on September 28, 2010. Jim was born October 23, 1956, in Newport News, Virginia to Marshall St. Aubin and Betty Jean Reams. He is the oldest of three boys, he enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with fun and adventure. He was an Eagle Scout and always outdoors.

He served an LDS mission to England, South London. Shortly after completing his mission, he left his family in Virginia, returning to Utah, and completing his Masters of Public Administration at BYU. While attending BYU, he met and fell in love with his soul mate and best friend Susan Hansen. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple on June 23, 1979.

Jim was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and particularly loved scouting and working with the youth. He was a strong supporter of many charities and served in several volunteer positions.

Jim always made his family top priority. He never broke a promise, made a commitment he couldn’t keep, and would drop absolutely anything to help anyone in his family. He always took the time to make each individual feel special.Every member of his family knows how much he loves and adores them. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, his father, Marshall St Aubin, his brothers Fred and Edward. His six children, Jennifer Elisa (Mitchell) Greene, Emily Sue (Eddie) Traxler, James Clark (Hannah LoRene) Reams, Andrew St. Aubin Reams, Zachary Edward Reams, and Kimberly Anne Reams. He is also survived by his two grandchildren Christian Xavier and Hayden Lincoln Traxler.



Statement from Mayor Jerry Washburn:

The Mayor and City Council of Orem are deeply saddened to announce the passing last night of our beloved city manager, Jim Reams, from a heart attack. Orem City has lost its great friend and champion. Jim was a wonderful person who led our city administration with skill and foresight. His enormous contributions to this community will be felt for decades to come. He also served with distinction on numerous boards and committees throughout the state. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family, his friends and to all of the Orem City employees.



Statement from City of Orem:
Jim Reams
Orem City Manager

It is with great sadness that the City of Orem mourns the loss of our dear friend and leader, Jim Reams.

James Aubin Reams was born on October 23, 1956. He was raised in Virginia. He moved to Utah in 1974. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and has spent his professional career in Utah. Jim has been the City Manager for Orem since 1996.

First and foremost, Jim was dedicated to his family. He and his wife, Susan, have six children and two grandchildren. Jim was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and particularly loved scouting and working with youth. He served an LDS mission to England. He was a strong supporter of many charities and served in several volunteer positions in Utah County.

At the City of Orem, Jim was greatly loved and respected by his employees, Mayor Jerry Washburn, the Orem City Council, and many professional colleagues. His kindness was legendary, and he was a friend to all. The Council and Staff are grateful to have had the privilege of working with a man of Jim’s caliber for so many years. He will be greatly missed, and our hearts are with Jim’s beloved family.



Statement from Nick Eyring:

Many years ago I was the Scoutmaster of Troop 560. I felt I was well qualified because of my great love of Scouting. Sometime later Jim Reams served as Scoutmaster. Not only did Jim’s love of Scouting exceed mine, his love of Scouting was exceeded by his love of the boys.

When Jim was replaced as Scoutmaster, his continued to work with “his” scouts and encouraged them on their trail to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. As time passed Jim became a great mentor to all of the young men in Lakeview 5th Ward. His love and encouragement resulted in dozens of young men achieving that rank. For example, in 2008, thirteen scouts earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

In the last e-mail I received from Jim Reams, on September 26, he talked about 3 scouts who had recently completed the requirements for Eagle Scout.

When I mentioned to Sue that my son Nathan had presented his “Mentor” pin to Jim, as the person who most influenced him to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, Sue replied, “I know, a lot of boys did that.”