Obituary of James Peter Reynolds

~~James P. Reynolds passed away June 2, 2017, at the age of 79, in Port Saint Lucie, Florida of natural causes.  
 
James, known by his family and friends, as “Jim” was born in Astoria, New York on October 2, 1937.  Jim was the oldest son of James and Anna (Oster) Reynolds and was baptized at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, in Astoria in 1937.  Jim was a devout Catholic throughout his life.  He graduated from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Brooklyn, in 1955 and went on to the United States military to begin his career as a pilot.
 
Jim served in the United States Air Force Reserves until 1960 and the Air National Guard until 1976.  He graduated from Officer Candidate School, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in 1961 and then went onto graduate from United States Air Force Pilot Training at Craig Air Force Base, Alabama in 1962.  Jim flew 3000 hours of flight time in the Air National Guard, spanning 22 years.   
 
Jim began a career flying for American Airlines in 1965 and through his dedication to his job and love of flying went onto become a Senior Captain out of both, New York and Miami.  Throughout Jim’s 33-year career with American Airlines, he flew 20,000 hours of flight time.  He flew his favorite aircraft, a Boeing 727, for 17-years.  Jim retired from American Airlines in October 1997.   
 
Jim married Betty (Benson) Reynolds in 1972 in Chicago, Illinois, and together they had two children James L., and Jay M.  They were married for 26 years. 
 
Jim loved traveling in his camper across the country, always stopping to visit his two sons and their families.  In addition to flying, he loved boating and being on the water.  He loved live music venues and dancing.  Jim was an active Grey Eagles member until his death.  Jim loved telling stories about his travels.
 
He is survived by his two sons, James (Jennifer) Reynolds, Tabernacle, NJ and Jay (Amber) Reynolds, Cody, WY, three grandchildren, Kyla, Olivia and Michael. 
 
He is preceded in death by his parents and his only brother, Raymond Reynolds.