James "Jim" Loyd Reed

James Loyd Reed (Jim) left his earthly home Wednesday January 11th. He was with his Wife Cathy at the time of death. Jim was born March 9, 1939 in Ft. Worth, TX to Loyd and Charlotte Dowdy Reed. In 1946 his family moved to Carlsbad, NM. Jim attended school in Carlsbad and graduated from CHS in 1958. He loved sports, especially baseball. One of his greatest moments was being part of the American Legion State Champions and making a plane trip to Scottsbluff, NE. Upon graduation, he was employed by Dr. Abbott, a Carlsbad Veterinarian. In April of 1959, he was employed by the ATSF Railroad. He worked 40 years on the railroad, retiring on April 1, 1999 as a Conductor. During this time, he lived in Clovis, NM and Belen NM before moving back to Carlsbad in 1996. He always joked that he should have been dead in 1959 when he got run over by 5 train engines and a caboose. On June 7, 1959, Jim married Cathy Ackman. They celebrated 58 years of marriage. Jim loved playing Baseball, Softball, Golf, and Bowling. In 2002, Jim and Cathy became full-time RV'ers. They worked as workcampers in various places for 4 years. Health issues brought them back to Carlsbad. He worked at the Carlsbad Municipal Golf course and Carlsbad Transit. Driving the bus was a great time for Jim. He loved meeting and greeting the passengers and the people he worked with. Jim discovered Karaoke and loved singing. He was a member of the BPOE #1558 for 45 years. During that time, he served as Chaplin and Leading Knight. He was elected Elk of the Month and Elk of the Year. He was a Member of the First United Methodist Church He was preceded in death by his parents, Brother, Reaford Reed and Sister, Dorothy Oney. Jim is survived by his wife Cathy, son Douglas Reed and wife Linda, brothers Darrell Reed and wife Joyce, and Robert Reed and wife Karen, brother-in-law Mike Ackman and wife Beth, nieces and nephews and "Sadie" his comfort dog, as he called her. Special thanks to Dr. BulBul and staff of Kymera and Golden Services, and Golden Services Hospice. There will be no visitation. Graveside services will be held at Carlsbad Cemetery on Saturday January 14th, at 9:30 am with Denton-Wood in charge and Dan Boyd officiating. A celebration of Life will be held at the Carlsbad Elks Lodge ballroom Saturday, January 14th, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Carlsbad Elks Lodge, Jonah's House or Noah's Ark. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com