James “Jim” Reef
James “Jim” G. Reef, 64 of Zanesville died at 12:40 A.M. Sunday, August 18, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family & under hospice care following a 5 year courageous battle with cancer.
He was born December 3, 1959 in Newark, Ohio the son of Harry Reef and Mary Ann Moorehead Reef.
Jim was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and volunteered annually at the Parish festival, running the “Quarter Fall”. When not spending time with his friends and family, Jim was an avid runner. Jim was a member of the Fieldhouse and would run at the Bethesda Trail when weather permitted. Jim was also a Football and Basketball official for over 30 years, becoming a fixture in youth sports in Zanesville and the surrounding area. Since retiring in 2021 from USXpress as a Driver Manager, he rarely missed a Cincinnati Reds game and also watched Ohio State Football in the fall. He enjoyed riding his electric trike around the neighborhood and trails around Buckeye Lake. Jim was a lifetime wiffleball enthusiast, both as a youngster and father. He carried on Grandma Jean’s tradition as NASCAR “bookie”. Jim is also known to have been an expert wedding dancer, specifically to the Electric Slide, Macarena and the Chicken Dance. He was a lover of Classic Rock especially when on the beach following the tide, surrounded by friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa Baughman Reef; three children, Jessica Reef, Kari (Calvin) Kellogg, and Michael Reef; four grandchildren, Sophie, Payton, Rylee and Cooper Kellogg; two siblings, Mike (Leilani) Reef and Diane Reef; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Ed Reef; mother-in-law, Jean Hankins Baughman; and father-in-law, Cecil Baughman.
Visitation will be 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday August 20th 2024 at the Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the St. Thomas Activity Center with Fr. Dave Young as celebrant. Burial will conclude at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Roof Campaign.
The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville is in charge of the arrangements. To share memories and condolences with Jim’s family please visit www.BryanHardwickFH.com.
