James Audie Reed

James Audie Reed, 52, passed away on June 18, 2020 in Anaconda. James was born in Anaconda on November 1, 1968 to Clay and Rosemary (Johnson) Reed. James had a loving relationship with his parents, siblings and extended family. When his mother remarried later in life, James was accepted into his new family. His stepfather, Floyd "Butch" Miller was very patient and kind to James. James attended Anaconda schools, class of 1988 and was a standout athlete. His imposing height of 6'8' and God-given talent made him the Copperhead's power house basketball player of the late 1980's. He received offers from both the Montana Grizzlies and the Montana Bobcats to attend their training camps. He chose the Bobcats. James was accepted for a full scholarship in Nebraska. Just weeks before heading to college tragedy struck James that changed his life forever. He was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. James was a resilient soul, however, and with the caring support of family and friends, he went on to lead a full life. He had many interests, including art and philosophy. His artwork was striking. His gentle nature was almost ‘Guru' status. James never said a bad word about anyone, he was non-judgmental, or critical. James was generous, often taking in strangers. Although he struggled with his illness, he was respected by many for his personality and character. James once said, "Love is in the voice." James lived briefly in Alaska and was often in the company of his cousins, Brian and Lee Spencer. They were best buds, going on wild adventures, mad raft races etc. James was devastated when both Brian and Lee were lost at sea. He never got over that loss. James attended the University of Alaska, Ketchikan Campus, where he studied Welding. James was a guest presenter at the Salish Kootenai College, where he gave presentations to nursing students on the subject of mental illness. In 2005 James married Kathy Ann Allen, whom he adored. They were together for 13 years and remained good friends after they divorced. James was preceded in death by his brother Clay William Reed, cousins Brian and Lee Spencer, uncles Yarnold ‘Nuddy' Reed, Nelo ‘Nick' Kero, Carl Caraft and Bob Kelley, maternal grandparents Audie and Lillie (Pickle) Johnson and paternal grandparents Arlo Reed and Katherine Judge. James is survived by his parents, Clay James Reed, Rose Mary and Butch Miller, sisters Cathy Johnson, and Kathleen Miller, brother Floyd ‘Tom' Miller (Monique), niece and nephew Eileen and Jorgen Miller, aunt and uncle Betty and Monty Spencer, aunt Audine Kelly, uncle Don Lee (Tamara) Johnson, aunt, Derinda Johnson, and numerous cousins. The family thanks everyone who helped James for their kindness with a special thanks to Anaconda Junior High Basketball Coach James Deming and Anaconda Senior High Coach Bill Sullivan. Also, a special thanks to Anaconda Police Officers for always handling situations with James in a patient and thoughtful manner. Funeral services will be held at the Church of Christ on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Graveside services will follow the services at the church.

Visitation

JUN 25. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (MST)

Church of Christ 302 Evergreen Anaconda, MT 59711

Funeral Service

JUN 25. 3:00 PM (MST)

Church of Christ 302 Evergreen Anaconda, MT 59711