James “Rich” Richard Reef, 86, of Flora, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Franciscan Hospital in Lafayette. He was born in Cutler on September 2, 1936, to Emmett and Ruby (Smith) Reef. He married Jamie Harris on June 24, 1994, and she survives.
Rich was a 1954 graduate of Cutler High School and served in the United States National Guard. He had several jobs through the years, including N & P Railroad, Farm Bureau Co-Op in Bringhurst before it became Farm Bureau Carroll Center, and Bachelor Run Golf Course. He was a member of Bringhurst United Methodist Church and enjoyed playing dart ball, hunting, doing yardwork and being outdoors sunning, putting up Christmas lights each year, traveling, playing guitar, and was an avid golfer and die-hard fan of IU basketball. He was a great man that loved helping and spending time with people, but above all, he loved spending time with his family.
Along with his wife of 28 years; Rich is survived by his children, David (Marty) Reef, Lisa Reef-Fulton, Mike (Sarah) Reef; stepsons, Jason (Caroline) Kiser and Dusty Guise; siblings, Don Reef, Jerry (Diana) Reef, Dan (Pat) Reef, and Shirley (Dale) Brown; 12 grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 step-great-grandchild; and 1 great-great-grandchild on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rick Reef; and siblings, Betty Schneib and Doyle Reef.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 11am until the time of the service at 1pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home ~ Reinke Chapel. Burial will follow at Ball Hill Cemetery. Memorials in Rich’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.