James E. Reese, 85, of Pandora died at 3:55 p.m., Oct. 6, 2013 at the Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora. He was born Nov. 24, 1927 in Toledo to Charles and Evelyn Wineman Reese. On Aug. 6, 1955 he married Phyllis Luginbill and she survives.

Mr. Reese was a lifelong farmer. He raised Hampshire hogs from 1941 to 2001. He also retired in 1987 from the U.S. Postal Service where he had worked at the Pandora, Gilboa and Ottawa Post Offices. He was a member and past officer of the Ohio Hampshire Hog Association. He was inducted into the Ohio State Swine Hall of Fame in 1995, was awarded a State Farmer Degree in 1945 and an American Farmer Degree in 1949. 

He was a member of the Pandora United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee, custodian and usher. He was a 1946 graduate of Pandora High School.

Survivors also include a son, David (Kim) Reese of Pandora,  two granddaughters, Amber (Derrick) Lee and Anna Reese,  a brother, Robert (Margene) Reese of Findlay, a sister Helen Synder of Oak Harbor and a sister-in-law, Frances Reese of Pandora.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Reese.

Funeral Services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Pandora United Methodist Church.  Rev. Duane Kemerley will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Pandora. 

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Pandora United Methodist Church or the Hilty Memorial Home.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.  Arrangements are by Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton.