Reed, Michael James

Michael James Reed, 63, of Los Angeles, Calif., born Sept. 10, 1948, departed this life June 6, 2012.

He is survived by his mother, Evelyn Reed; brother, Richard (Sandra) of Cedar Rapids; wife, Meeko; five children: a daughter, Michelle of Harlem, N.Y., and four sons, Michael Todd (Gertrude) of Louisville, Ky., and Matthew, Justin and Milan, of Los Angeles; grandchildren, Hilton, Hillary, Holly and Halston of Louisville, Ky.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Reed of Cedar Rapids; and sister, Carol Reed-Hughes, and brother, David Reed, of Kansas City, Mo.

Michael was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, attending Washington High School. He was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and track. He attended Ellsworth Junior College on a football scholarship. He continued his education and football career at the University of Northern Iowa, receiving his master's in education.

He later moved to Kansas City, Mo., where he taught and coached football at Sumner High School.

From Kansas City, Michael moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as an agent in the Tom Collins Sports Agency. At the time of his death Michael was employed as history specialist for the Los Angeles school system and regional director of Primerica Insurance.

Mike was a member of the Church of Christ in Los Angeles.

Funeral services will be June 23 in Hollywood, Calif., with Richard Reed officiating. Eternal Valley Mortuary, Newhall, Calif., will handle arrangements. The family will hold a memorial service for Michael in Cedar Rapids at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at the African American Museum of Iowa, 55 12th Ave. SE.

Published June 17, 2012 in The Gazette