Memorial Service, Funeral For James "Big Jim" Reynolds, August 9

On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 2 longtime downtown Renton resident James Vernon Reynolds died of injured sustained after he was struck in the crosswalk by a pickup truck at the intersection of Bronson Way North with Main Avenue South.

Reynolds, known as "Big Jim" to his friends and family, was riding his signature red scooter back to his home at Cedar River Court Apartments when the accident occurred. 

Renton Fire and Emergency Services and Renton Police responded to the scene, just more than a block from the fire station; however, efforts to revive Reynolds were unsuccessful.

The police report and further details are currently unavailable from the Renton Police Department, but Reynold's son described the collision as an accident.

"We're doing fine," he said of Big Jim's sudden death. "We're more concerned about the young man who hit him," he said. "We understand that accidents happen."

Jimmy described his dad as a man who loved to watch sports — both on TV and in the stands for his grandsons' games. Big Jim also liked to cook, he added, an attribute Cedar River Manager Ella Snyder touched on.

Snyder reminded over a box of snapshots late last week, including more than a dozen of Big Jim and his special potluck dishes, joking around with fellow residents and watching sports on the TV.

Big Jim was one of the first residents at the apartment complex when it opened 16 years ago, she said, adding that he worked as the maintenance man for six years for several Senior Housing Assistance Group apartments in the area.

But he was always more than just the maintenance guy.

"He was a really good cook, created his own recipes, and paid special attention to presentation," Snyder said while revisiting the photos spread out across her desk.

Snyder was in her office last week when another resident ran inside just after the noon hour to announce that Big Jim had been struck. The surrounding streets remained closed for about three hours while investigators analyzed the scene, she said.

Big Jim was likely headed back from one of his routine stops:  , she said.

The Memorial Service and Burial for James "Big Jim" Vernon Reynolds is Tuesday August 9, 2011 

• 11 a.m. to noon — Viewing 

-Edline & Yahn Covington Funeral Chapel, Kent

• Noon to 1 p.m. — Service 

-Edline & Yahn Covington Funeral Chapel, Kent

• 2 to 2:30 p.m. — Grave side Military Honors/Dedication 

-Washington National Cemetery, Covington

Edline & Yahn Covington Funeral Chapel

27221 156th Ave SE

Kent, WA 98042

253-630-2736

www.eycfc.com

Washington National Cemetery

18600 SE 240th ST

Covington, WA 98042

425-413-9614