Jan. 9, 1942 ~ April 23, 2025
James “Jim” Earl Reaksecker passed away on April 23, 2025, in the Philippines at the age of 83. Born on Jan. 9, 1942, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Hazel Marie (Moberly) and James William Reaksecker. Jim grew up on the family farm near Olathe, Colorado, alongside his four siblings.
He attended Fairview School through the 8th grade and graduated from Olathe High School in 1961. Shortly after, Jim proudly served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his service, he embarked on a career in the oil field in Rangely, Colorado, a profession that took him to various locations around the world such as Tokyo and off shore in the Philippines.
During his time in Rangely, Jim met and married Frances King. Together, they raised three children: Greg (Rena) Reaksecker of Phoenix, Sarah (Shawn) Moody of Loma, and Jennifer (Greg) Hutchison of Meeker. For five years, Jim took a break from the oilfield while he and Fran operated Jim’s Texaco in Rangely, creating lasting memories within the community. In 1983 he moved his family to Olathe to take over his parents’ farm. Jim and Fran later divorced, and he eventually moved to Meeker while working in Japan for several years before settling in Vernal, Utah, where he returned to the oil industry and lived for many years.
While in Vernal, Jim met Mary Jane Pagasian from the Philippines. In 2014, after five years of long-distance communication, he moved there and they married on May 8, 2015. They purchased land in Oroquieta, Philippines, where they built a home and cultivated a tropical garden. They had recently added to their land by purchasing a banana plantation. He continued his woodworking passion and embraced the vibrant culture around him sharing many years with Maria and her family. The love they shared was evident in her dedication to him in his final days.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Hazel, and his brother, Melvin (Pat) Reaksecker. He is survived by his wife, Maria; his children; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Judy (Roger) Thompson and Nancy Reaksecker; and his brother, Bill (Bonnie) Reaksecker along with many nephews and nieces.
Jim had a deep love for horses and spent countless hours horseback riding with his family. He cherished his time roping with friends in the Rangely area. A skilled woodworker, Jim also enjoyed gardening, often growing pumpkins larger than one could carry and the best apples around. His home in Vernal featured a beloved rope swing, a favorite spot for his grandchildren.
We will always remember Dad and Grandpa as a dream chaser and a hard worker who never let obstacles stand in his way. His unwavering determination turned dreams into realities, and his steady, loving presence made any place feel like home, especially with country music playing in the background. He engaged deeply in conversations, genuinely interested in our lives, and his stoic, cowboy spirit was matched only by his capacity to love and laugh deeply. Whether accompanied by a faithful dog or initiating a spirited water fight, he embraced life’s simple joys with a twinkle in his eye and a heart full of warmth. The love and pride he had for his family was evident in every glance, every chuckle, and every story he shared. His sense of humor was infectious, bringing laughter and lightness even in challenging times. His legacy lives on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught, and the enduring love he instilled in all of us.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held this summer.
