James Michael “Floodwall” Reed, 62, of Wheelersburg, passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at home after a brief illness. He was born Oct. 9, 1949, in Portsmouth to James B. and Darlene Brown Reed, who preceded him in death. He was a 1967 graduate of Wheelersburg High School. He went to work at the steel mill after high school and then went on to work at USEC, where he was currently employed. He was well known as the bass player and sound tech for the local bluegrass band, The Poverty String Band, for 33 years. Always a big fan of country and bluegrass music and was a longtime member of the George Jones fan club.

He is survived by one daughter, Brittany Nicole Reed of Columbus; sister, Sheree (Rick) Days of Franklin Furnace; a niece and nephew; dear friend and companion, Connie O’Brien of Clovis, Calif.; longtime band family members, Greg Romanello, Bev Pertuset, Bob Hall, Joe Romanello and John Hollback; his beloved dogs, Morgan and Scratchy; and all his friends at Bahner’s Auto Parts.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2012, at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg. Burial will be at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers please honor him with donations to Sierra’s Haven. He was an avid animal lover.