Obituary of Michael James Reynolds Jr

Michael J. Reynolds Jr.

5/18/1924 – 3/10/2023

Mike was born in Long Beach, California, to Irish immigrants Michael James and Mary Katherine (Keogh). He graduated from Jordan High School and went to work at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. He joined the U.S. Navy where he served for 20 years, including during World War II on a hospital ship in Guadalcanal and later in Okinawa. He rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, First Class. He then worked in the Pima County Assessor’s office for 25 years and retired as Deputy Assessor.

His colleagues at the Assessor’s office remember him as kind, funny, and always a gentleman. On his desk, he had two plants named Bridget and Seamus. He used his lunch hour to climb the 20 flights of stairs of the old Tucson Federal Building almost every weekday. After he retired, he loved going to the gym three days a week into his mid-90s. He loved the Santa Catalina Mountains and went hiking with his family in Sabino Canyon, Molino Basin, and Saguaro National Park.

Mike enjoyed spending time outdoors taking care of his yard and garden. He and Helen volunteered as delivery drivers for Mobile Meals. In retirement, he and Helen traveled throughout the United States. They also visited many countries in Europe, including Ireland where he enjoyed meeting his Irish relatives. They also took a special trip to New Zealand where Mike spent time hiking.

Mike’s positive attitude made everyone smile. Whenever anyone asked him “How are you?”, his answer was often: “It’s a grand day to be alive!”

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was always an active member of his church. He is preceded in death by his sisters Rosemary, Rita, and Barbara, and by his brother Bud. He is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Mary (Lisa Howells), son Mark (Lisa), and grandson Patrick.