Reed Veazey
James Reed Veazey, 82, of Otisco, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 3, 2025. Reed was born in Newton, Kansas on May 30, 1942, and, as a young man, worked summers doing farm work for family and neighbors. He graduated from East High School in Wichita, KS in 1960, and afterwards he attended college at Fort Hayes Sta
te University in Hayes, Kansas.
After marrying, he and his wife, Jean, lived in Newton Kansas, and then Texas, before bringing their family to DeWitt, NY. Reed retired and lived in Otisco with his wife for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors and living in his rural home. As an avid bird watcher, he always made sure his bird feeders were full and could name every local bird that stopped to feed outside the window.
Reed and Jean started Shelmar Kennel after falling in love with their first Jack Russell Terrier. He was a long-time member of the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) and attended 
shows and competitions regularly. Reed loved animals and always had one of his dogs nearby. (At left, Reed’s wife Jean with one of their prize-winning Jack Russell Terriers.)
Reed enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren, especially taking them on rides around his property on his tractor or gator when they were younger and always encouraging some type of mischievousness.
Reed was predeceased by his sister, Janice Louise Ross, who passed away one year ago. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean Arny Veazey; his two daughters, Marjane Veazey Rodriguez (Ivan Rodriguez) of Minoa, NY, and Michelle Lynne Veazey (Mike Miriou) of Cortland, NY; his brother, Thomas Veazey (Norma) of Wichita, KS; and four grandchildren, Nicolas Rodriguez (19), Victor Rodriguez (17), Sofia Rodriguez (14), and Ruby Carcaci (15).
Calling hours will be from 10am-12pm on Thursday, April 17 at R.H. Schepp & Son Minoa Chapel, 6530 Schepps Corners Rd, Minoa. A service will begin at noon at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/
Editor’s Note: Thanks to Shelley and Lee Ayres for sending Reed’s obituary.
