Reed, Jim

Jim Reed, 66, of 985 Fairview Dr., Marion, died of cancer on Sunday, June 5, 2011, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, June 9, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids. Family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial: Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his children, Lisa (Scott) Zahren, South Amana, Bill (Tracy) Reed, Marion, Susan (Wayne) Harrah, Cedar Rapids, David (Susanne) Reed, Marion, and Nick (Shelly) Reed, Cedar Rapids; sisters, Norma Jean Smiley, Colorado Springs, Colo., Joyce Houge, Rapid City, S.D., and Pat Loyd, Des Moines; grandchildren, Ian Zahren, Leah Gates, Ashley Reed, Abbey Reed, Abby Harrah and Brenna Hartse; and his beloved dog, Huck.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Catherine Reed; brothers, Bud, John and Jerry; and sister, Marilyn Martin.

Jim was born June 19, 1944, in Norwoodville, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Betsy Madsen in August 1962 in Woonsocket, S.D. They had four children together and divorced in 1981, but remained close friends until his death. Jim was married to Kelly McGannon from 1984 to 2003, and together they had one son.

Throughout his career, Jim worked as an entrepreneur and an inventor, and was known as a master of acoustical ceilings. He also was a general carpenter for the University of Iowa for several years until his retirement. Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing with his dog, NASCAR racing, fishing trips and relaxing in his backyard.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Mercy for their loving care of Jim during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Please sign the online guest book for Jim at under obituaries.