Michael Reeder

James Michael "Mike" Reeder

Born: September 23, 1983

Died: May 21, 2021

James Michael "Mike" Reeder entered heaven on May 21, 2021 at the age of 37.

A lifelong resident of Brandon, MS, Michael was a popular graduate of McLaurin Attendance Center. Upon graduating from McLaurin, Michael attended Hinds Community College, followed by working full time in the family automotive repair business, Reeder's Automotive.

To know Mike was to love and be loved by Mike. With friends as numerous as grains of sand, Mike was loved by all who knew him. Most friends were considered family, and he was a brother to anyone who needed one.  He was a leader, generous, kindhearted, charming, and full of humor. He always wore an infectious smile that lit up every room and everyone in the room. Always the first to jump in and fix any situation, Mike was the guy you called when you needed help. He was wise beyond his years and could be counted on to give all the right answers.

An avid outdoorsman, Mike grew up hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, and boating with his parents and sister. He continued these traditions with his wife, daughters, friends, and family. He was a lifelong Yankees fan and a walking almanac of baseball knowledge.

In line with his love of baseball, Mike played and managed various softball teams over the last two decades.  Competitive by nature, Mike's teams were always top contenders and tournament winners. Here he continued to leave his mark on many others, made even more friends and touched many more lives.  He continued the family tradition of softball by coaching his daughter's teams the past two years.

He continued to touch lives in his profession at Reeder's Automotive. During childhood, he and his sister spent many days at the family shop, learning about cars and life. Mike followed in the family tradition of automotive repair, and he touched lives here as well.  He was an excellent businessman and manager, but always worked to ensure that every customer received excellent care and the best service.

Mike was a fixer, caretaker, protector, and leader by nature.  He was the shining, loving center of the Reeder family. He always had a smile, hug, and way of making sure everyone knew how much they were loved.

This world will shine far less bright without James Michael Reeder. He is survived by his beloved wife, best friend, and soulmate, Jennifer Byrd Reeder, and precious daughters Brooklyn Erin & Addison Kate Reeder, of Brandon; Parents Doug & Jackie Reeder of Brandon; Sister Melissa Reeder Avant (Brian), niece Noelle Chambliss, nephews Sawyer Chambliss, Alex Avant, & Zane Avant all of Nesbit; Sister Kara Reeder Bradford (Don), nephews Jamie & Nick Bradford all of Puckett. Mother in law & father in law, Tami & Tony Byrd of Star; Brother in law Wesley Byrd (Danielle), niece Ainsley Byrd and nephew Lake Byrd of Florence; Maternal grandmother Mary Cole Shelton of Brandon; Paternal grandmother Nelva Welch Reeder of Pearl; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Everett Shelton, paternal grandfather James Lee Reeder, and maternal uncle Mike Shelton.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choosing. An account to benefit his daughters has been set up as a legacy at Renasant Bank in the name of “James Michael Reeder Fund” care of Mary Melissa Avant.