James Albert Reed was born May 10, 1933. James departed peacefully this life on June 23, 2026, and leaves to cherish his wonderful memories: daughter, Equilla Reed O'Ferrall of Philadelphia; son-in-law, Robert O'Ferrall of Philadelphia; sister, Lottie Jones of Vineland; brother, Abraham Reed of Las Vegas, Nevada; nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of other relatives and life long good friends.

James Reed, better known as "Jim", is a native of Savannah, Ga. and was educated there as well as the Philadelphia School District. He is a graduate of The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology and Spring Garden College. He also attended Temple University. Jim was also a mathematics instructor in the Philadelphia public school system at Dobbins and Edison High School. Many years ago, he taught mathematics at Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) and Temple University.

Jim was an External Affairs Director for Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. In that position he was responsible for representing Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc., in Philadelphia and has more than forty-five years' experience in all facets of telecommunications. Jim began his career with AT&T and following a series of assignments, was transferred to Bell of Pennsylvania. Jim moved to the External Affairs Department as Community Relations Director and assumed his current position in 1993 and the rest is history.

Jim has been universally recognized by State Senator Shirley Kitchen, State Senator Vanessa Williams, Shirley Gregory, representing U.S. Representative Bob Brady, and the unelected, elected official, Donald "Ducky" Birts. Honors bestowed upon Jim include, but not limited to: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representative Citation by State Representative Rep. Louise Williams Bishop, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representative Citation by State Rep. James R. Roebuck, Jr., the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Citation by State Representative Kenyatta Johnson, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representative Office of the Speaker Citation—House Resolution No. 167—by Samuel H. Smith, Speaker. In addition, Jim received a Citation from the Office of Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, a City Council of Philadelphia Citation presented by Councilwomen and Majority Leader Marian B. Tasco and he received special remarks by Councilwomen-at-Large Blondell Reynolds-Brown. Several members of the Verizon organization such as Allen Lewis and Gale Givens, president, who spoke of his selfless service.

Jim has been recognized by so many it is hard to keep up with the names and the awards. The entire Philadelphia region of elected officials have paid tribute to Jim such as, The Congressional Record, the House of Representatives "Congratulations to Jim Reed of Philadelphia for a Life of Accomplishment" by U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah. This document is filed in every library in the United States. In addition, Fattah provided Jim a pair of House of Representatives Cufflinks. Jim has also been recognized by The Philadelphia Fire Department for his "Commitment of Dedication and Service," signed by Fire Commissioner Ayers. He has received a Citation by State Senator Vincent J. Hughes (Appropriations Chair). Senator Hughes in his speech brought attention that Jim had been a contemporary of his father and was instrumental in starting the Annual Golf Classic, which raised over $1 million for scholarships. Jim is recalled by many as the "The go-to-man" who has given more than checks, but wisdom and guidance and described as one who never says no.

Jim was a board member of many organizations among them PUSH, Chairman of the Business Advisory Committee at the House of Umoja, Greater Philadelphia Urban Affair Coalition, the West Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, National Business League and Programs for Exceptional People, to name a few.

He was a winner of many awards among them the Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian Award, National Council of Negro Women Community Service Award, Variety Club's Community Service Award, Cheyney University's "Hall of Fame" Award, the City of Philadelphia Community Service Award, Operation PUSH's "Jesse Jackson Community Service Award and others.

Jim's son, Kevin Parrish, eloquently has praised his father for molding him and helping others. Representatives from the community recognizing and honoring Jim are as follows: John Chin of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, and Sharmain Matlock-Turner of the Urban Affairs Coalition. Lastly and most notably, Jim's dedication to the Philadelphia Club Frontiers International organization which gives out thousands of dollars towards scholarships and the 644th Engineering Battalion, General Cornelius O. Baker Scholarship which Jim chaired.