Remembering Jim Reynolds

On March 3, 2008, we said a sorrowful goodbye to our friend (and founder of JRA Financial Advisors) Jim Reynolds.

After a recurring battle with a brain aneurysm in his basilar artery, Jim was taken from us at the young age of 48. He left behind his wife Kris and three children. Final services were held at Lord of Life Church in Maple Grove, MN, where an estimated 1500 people came to show their respects. After the service there was a “Celebration of Jim” gathering at Rush Creek Golf Course with photos, the three bands Jim was involved in, and all of Jim’s favorite foods: pizza, burgers, fries and plenty of ketchup!

Those of you that knew Jim probably remember his charisma, his grandiose ideas and his unbelievable work ethic. Or maybe it is memories of the early years…meetings at your kitchen table with financial plans scribbled on a yellow note pad that come to mind. And who could forget the sparkle in his eye and his boyish giggle whenever he had a new idea to share.

For those of you who did not know Jim, he was a simple, complicated, unique man. He never met an idea or a person he didn’t like. He lived life to its fullest in every sense of the phrase, and wanted everyone to experience the same. While he drove some people crazy with the wild ideas (he originally wanted the basement of the JRA building to be a swimming pool with a retractable floor), he had a way of making the bad seem not so bad, the good seem better and the impossible seem possible. He was more than a dreamer, he was a visionary.

Through his work at JRA, Jim impacted thousands of lives. Many people had the opportunity to send their children to college, had the opportunity to retire, had the opportunity to fulfill lifelong dreams… in part because of Jim’s guidance and the foundation he built at JRA. Through his kids’ activities, Jim was active in his community as well. The Reynolds family hosted many fundraisers and promoted many worthy causes… because there was never a cause that didn’t deserve support – or a party!

We value the time that Jim gave to every life he touched at JRA. His talents gave us opportunity and improved our lives. We owe him and the Reynolds family a debt that we will try to pay by carrying forth his legacy in a way that will make both them – and Jim – proud.

Kathy Moss

President/CEO, JRA Financial Advisors

Long-Time Friend and Business Partner of Jim