James Francis Rea, Jr.

James Francis Rea Jr, 67, passed away May 14, 2020 at his home in Otterville, MO. He was born on January 31, 1953 in Inglewood, California the son of James Francis Rea Sr who preceded him in death and Jane Ann Rea, who resides in Priest River, ID.

On August 19, 1972 in Lancaster, CA he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Deborah J. Platts, who resides in their home.

Jim was a 1971 graduate of Quartz Hill High School in California where he was the captain of the football team. After marriage, he and his wife moved to northern Idaho to start a family. Jim was an entrepreneur of many trades including a logging business, construction business, restaurants, and marine service and sales. He also enjoyed building and competing in multiple classes of outboard racing boats. In May of 1989, Jim and family moved to southern Nevada to escape the cold winters and start a snack food distribution company while continuing the marine service, sales, and wholesale distribution businesses. There he enjoyed many backyard barbecues by the pool with his family and spent numerous weekends camping on Lake Mead. After their children left the nest, Jim and Debbie designed and built their dream home in Littlefield, AZ while he managed Tracker Marine at the Bass Pro Shops in Las Vegas. Shortly after, they opened a General Store that quickly became the hub of their small, rural community. In May of 2013 they moved to Brandon, MS to help care for their grandchildren where Jim began his career at Nucor Steel. His passion for logging circled back in Mississippi when he and Bruce purchased roughly 33 acres of property and a sawmill. Nucor built a new facility in Sedalia, MO and requested Jim’s transfer to help setup shop. At that time, Jim finally purchased the truck of his dreams, a full size, long bed, Chevy Silverado High Country in cajun red, which of course is capable of hauling 4’ x 8’ sheets of plywood with the tailgate up! Jim, Debbie, Bruce, and family moved to Otterville, MO, just outside of Sedalia, where they purchased a beautiful 38-acre property together. Between both properties they have many toys including the sawmill, several four-wheelers, a tractor, and motorcycles. Throughout his years, Jim has made many close friends and developed relationships across the country that will withstand the test of time.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by five children, James Francis Rea, III (Penny) of Las Vegas, NV, Bruce Rea of Otterville, MO, Eric Rea of Livermore, CA, Victoria Rea of Las Vegas, NV, and Samantha Rea of Sparks, NV; five grandchildren, Alexander, Adam, Charlee, Ryan, and Gunner; four brothers and three sisters; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his son, Christian David Rea, and his grandson, James Francis Rea, IV.

A Celebration of Life will be held at their property in Otterville. Casual attire is suggested with comfortable footwear for outdoor, uneven terrain.

Saturday, May 23, 2020 2:00pm - 5:00pm, services beginning at 2:33pm 3555 Blackjack Road Otterville, MO 65348

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.