Aldington – Death of Mr James Reeves
A link with old Evesham was severed on Thursday morning last week when the death occurred at his home at Aldington of Mr James Reeves. Many of the older generation will well remember “Jimmy” Reeves as he was known to them over 50 years ago when he used to drive the Crown Horse Bus to meet the trains at Evesham Station.
Two years ago, Mr & Mrs Reeves celebrated their diamond wedding so that his death has broken a partnership of 62 years of married life. Our sympathy is expressed to Mrs Reeves at her loss. Had he lived another month, Mr Reeves would have celebrated his 88th birthday. His death occurred at the little old stone cottage at Aldington where he had lived with his wife for over 30 years, and in which he recalled to a reporter two years ago his recollections of five reigns – the jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887, ten years later the Diamond Jubilee, the coronation of King Edward, and the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary.
A native of Blockley, Mr Reeves was a son of a stonemason and had been in the employ of Lord Redesdale and Lord Northwick, later moving from Blockley to Evesham where for seven years he drove the Crown Hotel bus. In 1906 he moved to Badsey and took up market gardening on his own account, also operation at the same time an oil and hardware round. He retired from market gardening about 12 years ago. In 1886 he was married at Blockley Parish Church to Miss Celia Ann Handy, also a native of Blockley.
Mr Reeves is survived by his widow, one son (Mr F Reeves, Badsey) and one daughter (Mrs E Cave, Badsey). The funeral took place at Badsey on Saturday afternoon, when after a service in St James’ Church, the interment took place in St James’ churchyard. The service was conducted by the Vicar (Rev W B Chapman) and during the service, r Reeves’ favourite hymn, “Jesu lover of my soul” was sung. Mrs G Marshall was organist. The family mourners were: Mrs E Cave (daughter), Mr & Mrs F Reeves (son and daughter-in-law), Mr L Reeves, Mr & Mrs R Reeves, Mr & Mrs K Dodd, Mr & Mrs F Knight (grandchildren, Mr J Reeves (nephew), Miss N Reeves (niece), Mr & Mrs G Reeves (cousin), Mrs V Wasley and Mrs F Taylor (neighbours and friends). Also present at the church were Mr C A Binyon and Mrs R Sparrow. Mrs J Reeves (widow), Mr & Mrs J Baker and Mrs L Reeves (grandchildren) were unable to attend. Following the interment, numerous beautiful floral tributes from relatives, friends and neighbours at Aldington and Badsey were placed on the grave.