Obituary of James (Jim) Reyen

Jim Reyen (72) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 05, 2017 at his home in Vestal, NY. Jim was born, and resided, in the Binghamton, NY area. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Margaret Reyen and his son-in-law Glenn Wright. He is survived by the love of his life Anne Gardiner Reyen whom he was married to for 50 years this past February. He is also survived by his daughter Andrea Wright and sons Jim (Ellen Perna) Reyen and Jeff (Jennifer) Reyen and grandchildren Glenn, Carlin, Kate, Patrick, Nicholas, and Joshua. Jim also leaves behind his brothers Robert "Bud" (Carol Nolan), John (Kathy Reyen) and sisters Peggy (Gerry Fearon) and Mary Beth Howe and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well. Jim was the oldest of 5 children and spent much of his life on Binghamton's Westside. He loved telling old stories of great times at Recreation Park, and hanging with friends. His tales included stories of walking the open fields, on the west side, before many of the neighborhoods were built and feeding apples to the race horse "Sun Briar". He was incredibly proud of his Irish Heritage and attended St. Patrick's High School and Clarkson University. Jim spent his entire career working at Eureka! Tents/Johnson Outdoors Inc. He started in the summers on the rental tent crew and worked his way up to President of the Camping Division. Over his 37-year career he traveled the world, was responsible for taking Eureka from a small regional company to a well-known international brand name, and presided over the largest growth period in the company's rich history. Jim was active in the community, serving on the boards of numerous charitable organizations including Roberson Museum, the Goodwill Theatre, and the Family and Children Society. He was also a very involved member of the Binghamton Country Club in which he served on the Board and was best known for being Chairman of the events Committee. Many great memories were created at events that he and Anne planned. Jim's passions included movies, basketball, canoeing, golf, and most importantly his family. He was incredibly well read, knowledgeable on most topics and had an amazing grasp of history. He certainly passed his love of reading to his daughter and grandchildren. He loved his NY Yankees and NY Giants and was willing to provide you updates constantly on their progress and scores whether you asked or not. He shared his love of music with his sons and enjoyed listening to them perform. Though Jim was a tough business person and overall straight shooter, he was a gracious, generous and kind husband, father, grandfather and brother. He would spend countless hours with his grandchildren including the local ones and his youngest in the Charlotte, NC area. "Grampie" as he was lovingly known as would read, play games, provide "free Uber Service" and go to many a concert, game or school event! During his life he loved this entire family and hosted countless parties, holidays, birthday parties and other events so that the family could be together. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home,141 Main Street, Binghamton, Wednesday, August 9th from 4 to 7 p.m. A private funeral service will occur at a later time. Expressions of sympathy, in his memory, can be made to the American Heart Association at the website: http://honor.americanheart.org/goto/JamesRReyen