James Michael Reese

Funeral services for James Michael Reese, of Rattan, Okla., will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022 at Miller & Miller Funeral Home. James passed away Oct. 16, 2022, at the age of 47.

James Michael “Bear” Reese was born on June 19, 1975, the son of Audie Michael Reese and Connie (Sheets) Cody. He was preceded in death by his son, Ty Reese and brother, Abraham Molina.

Bear was a lifelong resident of Fort Towson and Rattan and a member of Glad Tidings Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Fort Towson High School, Class of 1994 and worked in the area as a drywall finish man and painter. He lived his life like he performed his work, Bear started out rough around the edges, but ended up with a smooth finish. He was fiercely protective of his family and was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend and loved spending time with his family above all things. Bear loved hunting, fishing, playing softball and singing karaoke, but he had a special place in his heart for coaching and teaching his children and their teammates the love of the game. He enjoyed dancing and knew he was the best dancer in Texas and Oklahoma. Bear was the former commissioner of Rattan Summer League, baseball and softball and played in multiple adult softball leagues. His passing has left a huge void in the lives of his family and friends and will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him. Bear is survived by his wife of over 25 years, Carolyn; son, Baylor Reese of Rattan; daughter, Courtney Reese of Rattan and Kobi Mills of Broken Bow, Okla.; grandchild, Brecken Reese; father, Mike Reese of Fort Towson; mother, Connie Cody and husband, Gene of Rattan; brother, Clifford Reese and wife, Jessica of Lake Kiowa, Texas, and Audie Reese and wife, Amelia of Lubbock, Texas; sister, Vickie Molina of Rattan; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other family, friends and loved ones.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2022 at Miller & Miller Funeral Home in Hugo.

Interment will follow the service at Sawyer Cemetery with Bro. Bear Johnson and Bro. Shawn Robertson officiating, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.

Paid Announcement