James Marshall Reid
East Lansing
“I was born to be a science teacher.” These were the words of James Marshall Reid who was born July 12, 1933, in Wayne, Michigan, to Bert C. and Inez (Heckathorn) Reid. After a long battle with multiple myeloma, he passed away on April 5, 2017, at the age of 83.
He is survived by wife, Sue Wright Reid, daughter Robyn Reid Fiore (Anthony), grandchildren Roman James Reid Fiore and Piper Lucia Reid Fiore, and sister Martha Jean Reid. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Virginia Warner, Robert, Elizabeth Thomas, Clark, Shirley Moore and Philip. He is also survived by a world of friends that he deeply loved.
He was a physics teacher at Lansing Sexton High School for 32 years. He was well known for his dedication and creativity as a teacher and was recognized multiple times for his commitment to science education for all. He received teaching awards and recognition from the Lansing School District, Michigan Science Teachers Association, National Science Teachers Association, American Association of Physics Teachers and Association of Science –Technology Centers. His passion for science and curiosity filled his life in many ways. He was a woodworker, tinkerer, gardener, cook, and very special grandpa to two young grandchildren. He traveled the world with his wife of 54 years and various friends and family. Jim enjoyed a rich community of friends – including weekly lunch and breakfast meetings and a pinochle card group that played together for over 47 years!
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church. Visitation will be at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Friday, April 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Special thanks to Dr. Carol Rapson and Red Cedar Oncology. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Lansing or Lansing Promise.
16 Messages to “James Marshall Reid”
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Roger B. Elliott
April 9, 2017 at 12:20 pmClass of 1967, HP2 physics
A most remarkable teacher! Never talked down to his students. Seemed always to know if the concept wasn’t being understood. Most of all me!
THANK YOU , FOR THE GUIDANCE IN A TIME OF SOCIAL UPHEAVAL!
Loved his ORANGE TIE! Yepylanty, Mr. Reed…!
Bob Stroup
April 9, 2017 at 12:23 pmMy condolences to the Reid family. My brothers and I were fortunate to have had him as a physics teacher at Sexton. We were even more fortunate to know the whole family. Very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man.
Carolyn Waltz
April 9, 2017 at 3:01 pmClass of 1977 – Mr Reid was one of my favorite teachers at Sexton. No doubt that he is fondly remembered by thousands of students!
Ronda Schafer
April 9, 2017 at 4:49 pmClass of 1978. My condolences to the Reid family. Mr. Reid was one of my favorite teachers. He nurtured my love love of science in a time when the college that I went to wouldn’t let me take physics as a major (because those classes were for the boys); but I continued with my passion and took physics and math as an elective- until I graduated and had my major officially changed to science and math. I now hold a PhD. I speak of many of my teachers that I had at Sexton, but his name is one of the few that comes up often as someone that changed my life for the better. He opened up my heart and mind to the many possibilities that were out there waiting for me.
Darci, Class of '85
April 9, 2017 at 8:01 pmHe certainly was one of my favorite teachers, as he blended instruction with learning by doing. To me, that is the only way. Best wishes a d prayers to the family.
David Timpe, class of 63
April 9, 2017 at 11:05 pmTook PSSC Physics from him in 62-63. It was sort of an experimental do-it-yourself program where the students made a lot of their own materials from kits provided. Some worked, some didn’t (like the range finder), but he was a fine teacher.
Ken Pratt, Class of 75
April 10, 2017 at 6:12 pmGREAT teacher and a kind man. RIP Mr. Reid
Mark Dietrich - Class of 75
April 11, 2017 at 10:30 amAlways enjoyed his physics classes. He made learning physics fun! Teaching techniques ahead of there time.
Dirk de Vries - Class of '81
April 11, 2017 at 6:22 pmMr. Reid was a good man that taught me many valuable lessons both in and outside the classroom. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and his many grateful students from J. W. Sexton H. S. He will long be remembered and live on in our hearts.
Joseph Gravina
April 13, 2017 at 8:55 pmMr. Reid was my Physics teacher my senior year. He was inovated in his own way and the class was always interesting. I still study physics to this day and I believe Mr. Reid was that influence to me. And he was such a nice persn and knew how to speak to the students in a good way. I became a teacher myself for 35 years doing Math, Science and mostly computer classes. J.W. Sexton was lucky to have him and so were the students. I hope he had a wonderful life with his family.
Craig Albright
April 14, 2017 at 10:33 amIn 1966 during my senior year at Sexton, I studied Physics with Mr. Reid. I enjoyed his class tremendously – both his teaching style and the subject matter, itself. Mr. Reid made the subject come alive for everyone with his innovative ways of teaching – a very welcome change from the “stand-and-deliver” technique generally used in those days. Thanks a lot, Mr. Reid. I have described your “falling teddy bear” experiment to more than a few engineers!
Jack Ridenour
April 14, 2017 at 1:23 pmMr. Reid was best teacher I ever had. He inspired many future engineers and scientists with his demonstrations of the wonders of physics. His classes were demanding, but we worked hard because he worked hard to teach us, he made it fun and we could not disappoint a teacher that we respected and knew he cared deeply about his teaching and his students. I can not think back of my school days without thinking of and admiring him. ThAnkfully he attended our 50th class reunion last year and I was able to thank him and tell him how big an influence he had on my choosing a mechanical engineering career. He will always be remembered and loved.
Roger W. Rook
April 17, 2017 at 8:25 pmSenior Class of 1966…Mr. Reid was the best Cross Country coach in the city! He taught me maturity and drive to compete in the race of life and all his harriers were the better for it. He lived as he taught – be the best of the best you can be at all times and stay focused on your goals, whatever they may be! He was a man among men!!!
Mary Bloswick
April 20, 2017 at 9:30 pmMr. Reid was a great inspiration. He so thoroughly enjoyed the subject and the teaching of it, and that enthusiasm was contagious. I’ve always enjoyed science, and it was wonderful to be in a class taught by a man who really cared about passing on his knowledge and joy. He is one of a handful of teachers that I remember by name decades later. He was loved by many and an inspiration to thousands, I’m sure. His passing is sad, but his energy still brightens the universe.
Kimistri - Class of 1987
April 20, 2017 at 11:02 pmMr. Reid was one of the BEST teachers at J.W. Sexton! My classmates and I were mesmerized with his loving kindness, intelligence and endless energy. I spent 2- years taking his physics classes and eventually majored in Microbiology.
My love and prayers extend to his awesome family as well. Thank you for sharing Mr. Reid with us.
Tamara Beeler
April 21, 2017 at 6:18 pmWhat a wonderful teacher and person. You could really feel his love for science, and it made us all want to learn. Definitely will be missed.