Commander James R. "Jim" Reinauer, Sr., 80, resident of Lanier Village Estates, Gainesville, GA passed away, surrounded by his children, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Born in Oklahoma City on October 11, 1943, to Joeseph and Violet "Peaches" Reinauer of Hereford, TX; he was raised in Hereford and graduated from Hereford High in 1962. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Texas at Austin in June 1967. He was commissioned the same day as an Ensign, US Navy through Navy ROTC and was ordered to pilot training in Pensacola, FL. After receiving his "Wings of Gold" as a Naval Aviator at NAS Corpus Christi, TX in November 1968, he served over twenty years active duty all over the world, achieving the rank of Commander. He was also a very loving and dedicated father of three.

Although born in Oklahoma City, Jim grew up in Hereford, TX where his parents owned farm and ranch land raising crops and cattle. Jim and his brothers helped in the agricultural operations even as youngsters and from their parents learned the value of hard work and discipline.

In high school, Jim was active in the marching and concert bands, displaying leadership, responsibility, and musical talent as first chair coronet. He was president of the Thespians Club, and in his junior year he won the State Championship in Declamation in the University Interscholastic League competition.

At the University of Texas at Austin, Jim participated in the Navy ROTC Precision Drill Team and the Midshipman Choir, and he was Captain of the NROTC Rifle Team. Additionally, he was a member of the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi.

As a pilot in the Navy, Jim flew the S-2, P-2, P-3, and C-118. In addition to flying, Jim's assignments included Admiral's Aide to the Naval Inspector General and Officer Detailer in the Bureau of Naval Personnel. After retirement, he lived in Albuquerque, NM; Pensacola, FL; and Gainesville, GA.

He is preceded in death by his parents of Hereford, TX, and brother, Robert of Stonewall, OK.

Survivors include his two brothers, Joeseph, Jr. (Linda) of Pensacola, FL and Arthur (Kimberly) of Clermont, FL; sister-in-law, Susie of Weatherford, TX; one daughter, Lara MacDonald (Jeff) of Alpharetta, GA; two sons, Commander Rich Reinauer of Albuquerque, NM, and Commander Al Reinauer of Clearwater, FL; three granddaughters, Ashley Shugart (Austin), Amber Howe (Kraig), and Anna MacDonald; three grandsons, Jamie, Connor, and Seaman Grant Reinauer, US Coast Guard; one great grandson, Carter Howe; as well as four nieces and one nephew.

A life-long Catholic, he had served as choir member, Lector, and Cantor in his church. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officer's Association of America, and the Association of the United States Navy.

Visitation will be held 1:00pm-3:00pm Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with a Rosary to be prayed at 2:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30am Monday, March 11, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Pensacola, FL, with Fr. Craig Smith and Fr. Dominic Dat Tran concelebrants. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, with full military honors.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church, Pensacola, FL or to St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, Dahlonega, GA.