James Royal Reid

James Royal Reid is often called Jimmy or Pops. He was born in Stantonsburg (Wayne County) North Carolina on February 13, 1933 to the late Wilford and Alice Reid. He transitioned to be with the Lord on October 24, 2021, at Medstar Washington Hospital Center. 

James was the second of five children. Miriam Harrod (deceased) Claudette Stokes (deceased), Elgin Reid (deceased), Lavora Britt (George). After graduating from the Pikeville Training school in 1953, he then enlisted in the United States Army and served several years. After his time in the military James worked making furniture for a furniture company in North Carolina. After moving to Washington DC, he worked as a contractor for various government agencies before his entrepreneurship journey as a handyman.

When James eventually retired, he focused on helping the community and gave abundantly his time and resources to help those in need. James always loved having cookouts and seizing the opportunity to use his snowball machine for everyone in the neighborhood. He was always there to provide food and clothes for those in need. He found joy in decorating his home inside and out for holidays for the community. James loved the neighborhood kid and always made sure he had fruits, water and treats at their disposal to feast on. 

He is survived by his daughter Rita P. Swinson , Levora Britt (sister), Eleanor Compton (aunt), Trina Harrod (niece), Rosanno Stokes (nephew), Tiarra and Brittany Rogers (step-grandchildren) and a host of other nieces and nephews. 

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