Dr. Reese

Dr. James Wilford Reese, 68, of Spartanburg, SC, died Friday, January 9, 2015 at Magnolia Manor of Inman. Born September 15, 1946, he was the son of the late Wilford William Reese and Geneva Margaret Lamb Reese. A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, he was a retired professor of economics at USC Upstate. He received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and his Doctorate from the University of Tennessee in Econometrics. After obtaining his Ph.D., James worked for the Treasury Department in Washington DC during the Nixon administration. He later took a teaching position with the overseas division of the University of Maryland, where he taught college level business courses to military personnel stationed in Europe and Asia. He eventually returned to SC, where he taught at USC Upstate, retiring after more than 25 years as a tenured, full professor. During his tenure as a professor, he took numerous sabbaticals, traveling around the world to lecture and spread economic principles. He lectured in Korea, Japan, China, and Cuba, laying the ground work for trade relations. He loved exploring the outdoors during his travels and enjoyed skiing, motor biking, hiking, and kayaking. He obtained his black belt in Tai Kwon Do while studying in Japan. He was also an excellent photographer, capturing and preserving scenes from his many experiences around the world. Survivors include a son, Alex Reese of Spartanburg, SC; a brother, The Honorable Glenn Reese and his wife Janis of Inman, SC; and a sister, Eleanor Huneycutt and her husband Avery of Inman, SC; a brother-in-law, Cecil Bradley and his wife Kay of Inman, SC; and nine nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Judy Bradley. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, January 16, 2015 at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 626 Norwood St., Spartanburg, SC 29302, conducted by the Rev. Neil Y. Wood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Parkinson's Disease Research Center - Emory University, 1440 Clifton Road NE, Suite 170, Atlanta, GA 30322. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. James Wilford Reese please visit our Sympathy Store.