Remembering 'Coach' Reese

In his later years, it was unusual to find James Edward “Jim” Reese without three things: his maroon University of Minnesota hat, his bright smile, and a quirky sports fact that he was eager to share.

Known colloquially in parts of New York and Tampa, Fla., as just “Coach”, the former Village of Patchogue mayor and trustee was invested in all things sports.

“He was a very likable, gregarious individual – always fun to be around,” Jim’s brother, David Reese, said. “You always had a laugh with him.”

Jim – a husband, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, and much more – died April 3 surrounded by his family. He was 86.

Born in New York in 1934, Reese graduated from Sayville High School and Valley Forge Military Academy. After initially enrolling at Fordham University on a football scholarship, he transferred to the University of Minnesota when Fordham dropped its football program. There, he played quarterback for the Golden Gophers and graduated with a degree in education in 1959.

Reese worked for many years as a coach, teacher, and for IBM. He joined the Patchogue Village Board as a trustee in the late ‘60s or early ‘70s, serving under former mayor Bob Walhbaurer (1960-1976.)

David Reese noted that as a trustee, Jim was known for his involvement in local sports and recreation programs. He went on to serve as Patchogue’s mayor from 1976 to 1980.

“He was a well-known personality in this community,” David said.

Jim Reese later retired and moved to Tampa with his wife, Mary “Peggy” Byrne. He stayed engaged in sports and started up a weekly blog, “Coach’s Corner: Reflections on Life and Football,” which allowed him to share his passion and knowledge in sports, especially football. In an April 6 post on the blog notifying readers of his death, Jim’s daughter, Patricia Reese, wrote, “When our family helped Pop start this blog 438 issues ago, we never expected it to grow this much and to become such a joy to him in retirement.”

Jim was active on his blog well into the pandemic, most recently posting in January of this year. The former QB’s typical blog post sign-off was “Hut One... Hut two.”

Patricia asked readers to donate to The Bill Minahan Award in lieu of flowers. The foundation provides scholarships to deserving female athletes. Additional donations can be made to Tampa General Hospital, which provided care to “Coach.” A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jim Reese is survived by his wife of 62 years, Peggy; his daughter, Patricia Reese and her son, Aaron Lipkin; his daughter, Margaret “Peg” Reese and her spouse, Alison Salloum; and his son, James Reese. He is also survived by his brothers, Thomas (Joan, deceased) and David (Janet), and his sister, Geraldine (Robert Feindt deceased), and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to the Reese family, Jim loved his Byrne family in-laws: He is survived by his brother-in-law, Neil (Phyllis, deceased); his sisters-in-law, Brigid and Marian, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law James, Hugh (Judy) and Kevin (Barbara, deceased); mother-in-law, Rose, and father-in-law, Joe.

A memorial service is expected to be held at a later date.