Dr. James S. Reef 1934-2021
HUDSON — James Samuel Reef, M.D., 86, a longtime resident of Hudson, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2021, peacefully surrounded by family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Born in Chardon, Jim graduated valedictorian from Chardon High School in 1952. His senior year of high school was spent at Muskingham College, where he graduated in 1954 with a major in mathematics and minors in biology, chemistry, physics and psychology. At the age of 19, he was accepted to Thomas Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia, receiving his medical degree in 1958. While in medical school, Jim joined the Air Force as part of the Junior Senior Program and served from 1956 to 1963. He did a rotating internship at Tripler Army Hospital and was a flight surgeon at Lackland and Vance Air Force Bases. Capt. Reef received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1963.
He did a radiology residency at Akron General Hospital and an NIH Fellowship in Texas at Parkland and MD Anderson hospitals in radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. Dr. Reef returned to Cleveland after completing his fellowship and practiced locally at Akron General Hospital, Aultman Hospital, Trumbull Memorial Hospital and spent 27 years with the Ohio Permenate Medical Group associated with Kaiser Permanate, and finally retired in 2006.
After retirement, Jim continued practicing medicine intermittently all over the country, relieving other physicians. He traveled to American Indian reservations and many locations along the southern border. Dr. Reef was regarded as an empathetic and compassionate caregiver by his patients and colleagues.
Jim had many varied interests; he enjoyed playing golf, chess, poker, and had a special interest in horse racing. He loved sports and was a diehard Browns and Cavs fan, but especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Edna Cline Reef; and a brother, Dr. Thomas Reef.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Murphy Reef; and his children, Chris (Michelle) Reef of Rocky River, Jennifer (Michael) Strilesky of Kent, Jim (Kelly) Reef of Stow, Scott (Amy) Reef of New Jersey, Meredith (Michael) Fiorucci of New Jersey, Andrew (Michelle) Reef of New Jersey; and his grandchildren, Jillian, Maggie and CJ Reef, Taylor, Ivy and Grayson Strilesky, Abby, Mason and Wyatt Reef, Evan, Haley, Brianna and Jenna Reef, Michela, Drew, Emma, Mase Fiorucci and Jordan, Trevor, Colin and Lindsey Reef.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 28, 2021, at the Johnson-Romito Funeral Home, 19 E. Main St. (On the Square) Hudson.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, March 29, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 340 N. Main St., Hudson (all to meet at the church). Mass will be livestreamed at www.stmaryhudson.cc/livestream.
Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Hudson.
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