JAMES MICHAEL REAVES

James Michael Reaves, age 78, peacefully and surrounded by family, went to be with his heavenly father on July 12, 2024. He was born in Jefferson County, AL on September 29, 1945 to Elmo and Alene Reaves. Mike graduated from Hueytown High School in 1964 and then enlisted in the United States Air Force August 15th, 1967. He was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane WA; Andersen Air Force Base, Yigo, Guam; Keflavik Air force base, Reykjavik, Iceland; and Maxwell Air Force base in Montgomery, AL. He took great pride in his service to his country and was Honorably Discharged as Sergeant E-4 on August 13th, 1971. Mike worked for L&N railroad and Birmingham Southern Railroad and retired in 2006. Mike exemplified a life guided by Christian principles. He was a dedicated and faithful husband to June Reaves, his loving wife of 37 years; and a cherished and loving father to son Kelly Reaves, daughter Kari Brasfield, and son Shane Collins. Everything Mike did was for his family. Throughout his life, Mike was known for his generosity and compassion. He touched many lives through his active involvement in his local church, where he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher. His commitment to his faith was evident in his daily actions and interactions always extending a helping hand to those in need and offering encouragement and prayer to all who crossed his path. Mike cherished spending time and sharing memories with his brother, Jerry (Bobbie) Reaves and sister Pat (Bill) Brashier. His greatest joy came from his role as a grandfather to his seven beloved grandchildren; Clay (Kayla) Morgan, Cade Morgan, Major Collins, Brock Collins, Gisele Reaves, Olive Reaves, and Finn Reaves. His grandchildren will forever cherish their memories with their "PawPaw". One of his many joys in life was supporting his grandchildren. "Paw Paw" was always one of the loudest voices cheering from the stands. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Elmo Arthur Reaves, and mother, Sarah Alene Reaves. He is survived by his wife, June Reaves, and his children, Kelly (Jenn) Reaves, Kari (Brian) Brasfield, and Shane (Angie) Collins. His grandchildren: Clay (Kayla) Morgan, Cade Morgan, Major Collins, Brock Collins, Gisele Reaves, Olive Reaves, Finn Reaves, and many beloved and cherished nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Peoples Chapel funeral home 195 Brooklane Drive Hueytown, AL 35023 on Tuesday July 16th, 2024 from 10-11AM and funeral service to begin at 11AM. Burial will follow at Patterson-Forest Grove Cemetery 1498 Fifth Avenue Pleasant Grove, AL 35127.