Dr. James F.F. Reamer

James Francis Fess Reamer 

On Saturday, August 3, 2019, Dr. James F. F. Reamer, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully at age 83.

Jim was born on December 12, 1935 in Baltimore, Maryland to Francis Fess Reamer and Edith LaRue (née Unger) Reamer of Shamokin, Pennsylvania.  He received his undergraduate degree from Bucknell University and his Doctor of Medicine from Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia.  He practiced Pathology at the now closed Wilmington Medical Center and then at Christiana Hospital, both in Wilmington, Delaware.

Jim was predeceased by his first wife of 32 years, Arleyne Terry Reamer (née van Gampler) and his sister, Nancy Jane Walker, of Shamokin, Pennsylvania.  He is survived by his second wife, Michele Sullivan of Kendal, Kennett Square, and his three sons and their families, James, Jr. and his wife Karen Coleman, of Ashland, Massachusetts, Hudson, of Indianapolis, Indiana and Jordan, of Claremont, California.  Jim has three grandchildren, Lindsay, Hudson, Jr. and Garrett.

One of his early pleasures as a pathologist was teaching medical students at Christiana Hospital.  During the 60’s he was an activist for progressive causes.  A one-time member of the Wilmington Power Squadron, many summers were spent sailing the Chesapeake and its tributaries with his sons aboard their 26-foot Pearson sloop, the Déjà Vu.

Jim loved trout fishing at the “Tunk” with his sons and his fishermen friends.  He was a wonderful storyteller and had a great sense of humor.  He stopped at all Chinese restaurants, regardless.

Jim and his wife Michele Sullivan, a psychologist, shared many interests including Quakerism.  They were active members at Centre Meeting in Wilmington, Delaware.  Jim served for many years on various committees at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, the board of Wilmington Friends School, and the Chester County Planning Commission.  An oenophile, Jim especially loved French wines.  Jim and Michele enjoyed their own cooking and that of others and celebrated many holidays in Berkeley, California with the French side of Michele’s family (where they ate more good food).

A memorial meeting will be at 2:00PM on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Centre Friends Meeting House, 309 Center Meeting Road, Centerville, DE.  Please dress casual and weather appropriate.  {Note: there is no-air conditioning at Centre Meeting House}

A memorial service at the Kendal Auditorium will be on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 2:00PM, 1109 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA.  

The family asks that NO flowers be sent.  Rather consider a memorial donation in Jim's memory to:

Kendal Retirement Community, c/o Stephanie Cory, Philanthropy, in subject line: Social Services Dept., 1109 E. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA 19348 -or- Trout Unlimited, Valley Forge Chapter, P.O. Box 1356, West Chester, PA 19380 -or- Centre Friends Meeting, P.O. Box 154, Rockland, DE 19732.

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