James Reilly
James Joseph Reilly (“Jim”), born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 27, 1947, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, fortified with the Sacraments of the Catholic Church.
Jim was the eldest of Marion J. and Adele C. Reilly’s four children. A precocious and whip-smart child, Jim excelled in his studies at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic grade school where he served as an altar boy, choir boy, boy scout and later alongside his father as an Our Lady of Lourdes church usher. Jim enjoyed playing handball and baseball during his youth, and attended Mercy High School, where his teachers convinced him that he could do anything if he put his mind to it. Jim attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis, graduating with a degree in chemistry in 1969. Jim then enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He went on to receive master’s degrees in chemistry and math from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Jim’s true passion was teaching. He accepted a full-time job at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO, where he taught college and junior college level chemistry, math, physics and general science for thirty years. Jim was beloved by his students, many of whom went on to become doctors, nurses and dentists. He loved to teach and received a Teacher of the Year award from the Lexington Lions Club in 1994.
A true “Renaissance Man,” Jim loved history, music (especially Beatles music), Latin, German and baseball, and he could speak about and educate his listeners about practically any topic. He was a voracious reader (particularly of Sherlock Holmes books), and he played the mandolin and could recite dozens of limericks and puns by heart. When Jim traveled, it was usually to historic locations, where he often knew more about the sites than the guides did. His encyclopedic mind made him a wonderful conversationalist, and he enjoyed talking with anyone and everyone. A life-long learner, Jim was humble, and he maintained a positive, “can-do” attitude throughout his life. He cared deeply about his family and everyone else.
Jim is survived by his two sisters, Marjorie Reilly and Mary Reilly-McNellan (Mike), sister-in-law Catherine Herbert Reilly, niece Janey (Matt) Perrizo, nephew David Reilly, grand-niece Georgiana Perrizo, grand-nephews Thomas and Edward Perrizo, and numerous cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, John G. Reilly (“Johnny”). Jim especially enjoyed going on what he called “Magical Mystery Tours” with Johnny, exploring some of the lesser-known St. Louis sites. Jim was greatly loved by his family and everyone who knew him.
A memorial service for Jim and his burial at Resurrection Cemetery in St. Louis will take place at a later date. The family requests prayers for Jim or donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity of choice in Jim’s name.
Love you, big brother.
Jim, I wish I had known you better. We shared terrifying ninth grade home room experiences at Mercy with Sister Rose and our paths didn’t cross again until UMSL in the late 60’s in a couple of math classes. Jim always seemed like he was a step or two ahead of our teachers and I admired that.
I was in Jim’s class at Lourdes. We hung out off and on, even had dinner at his house once or twice. He was too smart for most of us. I wish I had gotten to know him in his adult life. Sounds like a great life he lived. May he rest in peace.
Mary,
May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time and may your many memories keep Jim in your heart always.
Jim was one of my most favorite teachers. My father & Jim worked together at Wentworth, I then attended Wentworth with Jim as my instructor. Afterwards we became life-long friends. I so enjoyed his huge wealth of knowledge and will miss Jim’s humor. Such an amazing man, RIP Maj. Jim Reilly.
Clear Skies and Tail Winds Maj. Reilly! You will be so missed and remembered!
I know that Capt Reilly and my dad, Jim Ahrens, are talking history in heaven nonstop right now after being good friends as fellow teachers at Wentworth. Much love to your family.
Remember him well. He was a friend to many. Awsome and very intelligent teacher. He had a wealth of knowledge. Prayers for his family and friends for comfort and peace. May you RIP Maj. James Reilly.
The Pioneer House in Lexington, Mo is sorry to hear of that James has passed away! We have great memories of him while he lived here.
Jim Reilly was an excellent teacher. He was not satisfied if his students learned enough to pass his courses. He wanted them to understand. From my house I could see his classroom lights, which were often on until late at night, as he willingly gave students the extra time they needed. He believed in their potential, and his students came to believe in themselves. What a legacy!
My brother-in-law Jim was kind, funny, smart and a good friend to many. When we helped move Jim from the Pioneer House in Lexington, MO, I had numerous residents and staff tell me how much they liked Jim and cared about him. Even though Wentworth Military Academy is closed, they do have a museum in town that showed photos of Jim teaching and playing the mandolin…quite a tribute to an outstanding teacher. Major Reilly, you will be missed by many friends, family and former students!!
I went to Mercy with Jim. I always enjoyed classes with him. He shed a different light on the subject. RIP