James Reaves

James O'Donald Reaves, known as Jim (or Jimmy to Anniston folks), passed away on his 72nd birthday - July 20th - at home in Atlanta, after a year-and-a-half-long battle with leukemia. He died the way he lived: on his own terms, with impeccable timing.

Born in Anniston, Alabama in 1953, Jim was the son of Betty Sorter Reaves and Bennie O'Donald Reaves. He graduated from Anniston High in 1971 and after being drafted, rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era.

He got his start in television at WHMA-TV 40 in Anniston, then brought his family to Atlanta to begin a 27 year career at Turner Broadcasting, later Time Warner. He especially enjoyed directing Good News, a feel good show, in the 1980s, and editing for Cartoon Network in his later years. In 2003, he bought an antiques store - Black Bear Creek Antiques in Clayton, GA - eventually retiring from TV in 2009. There he restored treasures, designed a caboose Airbnb, and built a bathroom out of a grain silo - just because he could.

Jim is survived by his partner of 28 years, Carol Cordray and her daughter Arielle Konfino Cohen; his children: Ben (wife Jennifer), and Brandy (husband Justin Rubner); his sister Dinah Wells; and his fur baby Mars. He was predeceased by his parents, Uncle Charlie Sorter, and his trusty sidekick Tidels the Wonder Cat.

Known for his quick wit, curiosity, and tendency to take things apart just to see how they worked, Jim questioned rules and treasured a good inside joke (or hundreds). A creative mind and early adopter, he filmed hours of home video and snapped countless photos before everyone had a camera in their pocket - which makes finding good photos of him surprisingly difficult. He enjoyed gardening, boating, and generally spending time outdoors.

A celebration of life will be held on August 9th at 3 PM at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, 2773 N Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30033. He has been cremated per his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to support the Winship Leukemia Fund at Emory University, 1762 Clifton Rd., Suite 2400, Atlanta, GA, 30322 or online at https://together.emory.edu/WinshipLeukemia