James Herbert Reaves

Apr 13, 1930 -

Apr 9, 2020

James Herbert Reaves was born April 13, 1930, in Cranston, R.I., and passed away at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, with his family by his side on April 9, 2020. He joined the United States Navy in 1947, married his wife Eleanor in 1953. After his military service ended in 1955, he joined his wife and son in Yakima, Wash., and started his banking career. He worked in Oregon and California until his banking career led him to Alaska in 1972. He retired in 1995, and moved to Blaine, Wash., and returned to Alaska in 2018.

He loved the great outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing and dogsledding. He had a love for flying and, at age 60, decided to take flying lessons. He got his license and he and his wife enjoyed seeing Alaska from the sky for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eleanor; his son, Michael Reaves; grandson, Christopher Michael Monfortan (Meredith); and two great-grandchildren; his daughter, Paris Buza (Michael); granddaughter, Robin Buza; his daughter, Crystal Lane, who preceded him in death; grandson, Jason Ackerman; and granddaughter, Susan Lane; his daughter, Robin Reaves; granddaughter, Elizabeth Reaves; and great-granddaughter; and his brother, Wesley Reaves.