James Albert Reynolds

James Albert Reynolds, 60, of Belleville, Illinois, born Tuesday, September 18, 1951, in Bloomington, IL, passed away Friday, February 3, 2012, while driving home after a day of doing what he loved the most which was playing golf and enjoying time with friends.

James graduated from Galesburg Senior High School in 1969, where he was a member of the1968 Galesburg Basketball Team that finished second in the State Tournament. He graduated from Carl Sandburg Jr. College in 1971, where he was recognized as an Allstate JUCO basketball player.   He graduated from the School of the Ozarks, in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and later earned his MS Education Administration Degree.  

He was a teacher and coach for over 30 years. He was the head basketball coach at Crete Monee, Head Golf Coach, Head Boys Basketball Coach, and Assistant Softball Coach at Belleville East High School, where he later became Athletic Director. He also was teacher and Department Chair of  their Physical Education, Health and Drivers Education programs as well as the Director of the Belleville East Lancers Golf Classic. He was inducted  in 2009 to the Golf Hall of Fame by the Illinois Coaches Association for his accomplishment in coaching golf and he was chairman of the Metro East Golf Association for seven (7) years.   

He was a member of Illinois Athletic Directors Association, National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and Larry Shannahan Memorial Golf League. James was a Resident Teaching Pro and Director of Junior Golf at Clinton Hill Golf Course, former officer of Clinton Hill Commercial League.  Jim was a true sportsman and positive influence on the students and athletes that he encountered.  He was an incredible athlete and was competitive in every sport that he chose to play.  He had a unique gift of golf instruction, and his friends labeled him “the swing doctor”.   But, his true passion was with his family and spending time at home with his loving wife Sue, his daughters, grandchildren, and friends.     

He was preceded in death by his:

  • Parents: Albert and Marian nee Youngquest Reynolds.

Surviving are his:

  • Wife: Susan M. nee Dybowski Reynolds whom he married on June 7, 1986 in Lynwood, IL
  • Daughters
    • Corine (Todd) Altepeter of Swansea, IL
    • Jennifer (Tim) Lay of Belleville, IL
  • Brother: Steve (Sherri) Reynolds of Davidson, NC
  • Sisters
    • Susan Quail of Davenport, IA
    • Krista (Dalmar) Tracy of Victoria, BC
  • Grandchildren
    • Reese, Maxwell and Emerson Altepeter
    • Riley and Avery Lay
  • Sister-in-law: Donna (Joe) Indovina
  • Mother-in-Law: Gerry Kelly
  • Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces & Nephews


Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, February 10, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home Chapel, with Father Matthew Elie officiating. Private family interment will be held.

Condolences left for James Albert Reynolds:

    To The Reynolds Family:
    Our deepest condolences to you. I was saddened to hear that Jim had passed away this week. He and I share a connection in that we both played for Coach John Thiel at Galesburg High School. It is a small fraternity. He was a great guy and a great athlete. He will be missed. God's Blessings to you All!
    Rob & Brenda Johnson
    Houston, Texas

    Rob & Brenda Johnson Houston Texas 77006

    Are deepest sympathies are with all of the Reynolds family. Thank you to brother Steve for introducing us to Jim, allowing us to experience for ourselves his engaging persona. We are fortunate to have known him and join you in celebrating his legacy.

    Slade and Stacey Goldstein Davidson North Carolina 28036

    Your family has lost someone very special, somebody who touched many lives...especially yours. May you find comfort in remembering someone so special. We are keeping you close in thought and heart.


    Larry and Doris (McBride) Chadwick Galesburg Illinois 61401

    sue, corine & todd, jenny & timmy, & fammilies: words cannot express how much sympathy i have for you since todd called with the news of jim's passiing..i am so thankful that my 3 grandchildren got to spend time with jim, that he taught reese how to be a fish in the water & teach max how to swim & not be afreaid to jump in the pool at mimi's & papa jim's, good grandpa he was...glad i got to know him after todd & corine fell in love..my prayers always with you, mom joanne

    joanne jung mascoutah illinois 62258

    I had the pleasure of playing basketball with Jim for 2 years at Carl Sandburg College. Although he was very talented, he became a better player because of his hard work and dedication in a game he loved. We are all better people for having known Jim.
    My condolences are extended to his family.

    jerry latherow chicago il. 60614

    Dear Krista, It is hard to lose a brother. I am sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and your siblings as you gather together to celebrate his life.

    Connie Chadwick Kean Dallas TX 75214

    Sue and family
    My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim will always be remembered as one of the best golfers ever!
    Barb Hohlt

    Barb Hohlt Belleville IL 62220

    God Bless the entire Reynolds family. My prayers are with you Sue, Corine and Jennifer and family. Jim now has a perfect body and will greet us all some day at the great table. Every person that you meet is a gift. You will either receive or give something with that interaction. Jim passed many gifts of wisdom and knowledge, love and compassion to many. We were all blessed to meet him. God Bless you!
    Brian

    Brian A. Maine St. Charles MO 63304

    I am not a very good golfer, but when Jim and I golfed in the commercial league, he was very patient with me and even offered tips occasionally. He's a classy guy who many will miss on Thursday night. Rest in peace Jim.

    Albert Artimisi Collinsville Illinois 62234

    On behalf of the family of Darlene McBride Johnson, we offer our deepest sympathy to you with your loss of Jim. May God hallow your memories and hallow your tears.

    Rev. Dennis L. Johnson Charleston WV 25314

    I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I went to school with him for a time and always enjoyed his friendship.

    DAVID BRADLEY ROGERS AR 72758

    My deepest sympathy to the entire Reynolds family. I took probably 50-60 golf lessons from Jim and what an enjoyable experience. He was so committed and although he is known for his mastery of the swing, his lessons on the short game were second to none. I have not played in the Commercial League for a few years, but I know Thursday nights won't be the same without Jim. He'll be missed by many.

    Dean Mitts Swansea IL 62226