James "Jimmy" L. Reilly

James “Jimmy” L. Reilly, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. A free spirit who loved, laughed, and got along with whoever he was with. A person that didn’t judge you because of your race, creed, sexual identity, religion, or lack of religion. A person who saw the good and everybody.

His love from music and art were the center of his being. A talented musician and a flare for watercolor painting were just some of his passions. He would dissect the lyrics of a song and admire the genius of it, look at a painting or sculpture and see the beauty of it. 

Jimmy grew up in South Toledo. Playing sports and running with his friends fishing in the UP in Michigan and dirtbike riding on his parents property. His joy was going down to the creek and bringing back a bag full of Brook Trout to eat.

He loved his family and friends, and he always wanted to help if someone needed something. He was a well-seasoned traveler who had been all over the United States and lived in Austin, Texas, and Northern California. He enjoyed meeting the people he had met along the way. 

Jimmy also suffered from issues and anxieties, this fueled his disease of addiction. He lost many friends due to this disease, but couldn’t find his way to recovery himself. Loneliness and despair are evil cousins to this cunning and baffling disease that always ends up the same: jails, institutions, or death. He just wanted to be “normal” as he put it. He always said when you see someone struggling don’t turn your back, don’t walk away. Give them a hug and tell them that you love them.

Jimmy is survived by his loving parents Jack and Rosemary Reilly; his two black labs Wilson and Ella; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Along with people he called family from Northern Michigan to San Antonio, Texas from Washington State to Massachusetts. 

He was proceeded in death by his sister Marissa; grandparents, Duke and Marilyn Reilly; Santos and Lola Rodriguez, his special uncles Richie and Robert Rodriguez, and his uncle Tio and cousin Jamie Rodriguez. 

Private services will be held for Jimmy with his family. 

Jimmy will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cherry Street Mission and the Zepf Center in Jimmy's honor.