Jesse "Jim" Blunt Reaves, Jr

Jesse “Jim” Blunt Reaves, Jr, 76, of Batesburg-Leesville, SC entered into rest on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. Jesse leaves behind his beloved wife, caregiver, and best friend, Barbara Smith Reaves, of 46 years.

Born in and educated in Henderson, N.C., he was a son of the late Jesse Blunt Reaves, Sr. and Edith Often Reaves. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by children and grandchildren: David Allen Reaves (son); Tamila “Tami” Davis Fields (daughter); Joshua Brett Reaves (son); Tyler Matthew Reaves (grandson); Ashleigh Anne Fields (granddaughter); Aaron Spencer Fields (grandson). He was preceded in death by his brother Bobby Lee Reaves.

Jesse was a very successful Registered Representative for over 45 years and insurance agent for over 50 years and served over 2,000 clients across five different states. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, he worked with Roses Stores, Inc. based in Henderson, N.C. and helped manage and setup operations for numerous stores across the southeast. This role led him to South Carolina where he managed the Roses store at 2030 Devine St in the Five Points area of Columbia; it is now occupied by Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern.

Tired of moving from one state to another every several years, Jesse tapped into his entrepreneurial spirit after being inspired to participate in a training program with Franklin Life Insurance Company and chose to plant new roots in South Carolina. In his own words: “If it hadn’t been for Franklin’s Trainee Associate Program, I would quite likely still be a retail sales manager, earning what someone else thought I was worth … promoted only when someone else thought I was ready. Believe me, I know first hand how difficult it is to take that big step from the security of a paycheck to commission earnings … but with the confidence I gained from Franklin Life, I will be forever grateful.”

Beyond merely building his confidence to start a new career, Franklin Life proved to be an extended family for Jesse and instilled in him a great responsibility to care deeply for his clients as if they were members of his own family. This served as a core value for him, and this legacy continues on with his wife, son, daughter, and granddaughter who are all either Registered Representatives and/or licensed insurance agents. Jesse knew that financial security and the freedom that it could afford was one of the greatest accomplishments he could help others achieve. He took great pride in educating, mentoring, and advising people to develop plans and to invest wisely in investment products that would help them meet their financial goals.

Jesse was a member of Concord Baptist Church for 45-plus years, which he dearly cherished. He was an avid golfer and a former member of the Lions Club, Rotary Club, and member of the Batesburg-Leesville Chamber of Commerce. Jesse also loved fishing and traveling. His son, Joshua, took him on his dream trip to England and Ireland in September 2018 so that he could learn about his ancestry.

Due to concerns for coronavirus, a private funeral ceremony was officiated by Pastor Zak Knight at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 14th, at Concord Baptist Church Cemetery. Pall bearers were Brent Chapmen, Bruce Chapmen, Luther “Luke” Fields, Aaron Spencer Fields, Leroy Wise, and Major Summers. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the future after the coronavirus pandemic is under control.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us during this time of loss.

It has been suggested that in lieu of food or flowers, donations can be made in his honour to the following organizations: Concord Baptist Church, 860 N Lee Street, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070, or the American Heart Association, www.heart.org .

In Loving Memory of
Jesse “Jim” Blunt Reaves, Jr.

"God saw you getting tired
And knew we would all weep
When he took you from us
As you fell asleep

A Golden heart stopped beating
Hard working hands at rest
God broke our hearts to prove us
He only takes the best"