Title
Renaming the 5600 Block of Woodbine Avenue as “James A. Reed Way” to honor the life, legacy, and lasting contributions of James A. “Jim” Reed to the City of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, James A. Reed was born on May 10th, 1933 and passed on June 23rd, 2026; and
WHEREAS, James, better known as “Jim,” was a Savannah, Georgia native. He moved to Philadelphia and was educated in the Philadelphia School District. Jim was a graduate of The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology and Spring Garden College. He also attended Temple University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Reed was a mathematics instructor at Dobbins and Edison High School as well as Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), and Temple University; and
WHEREAS, Jim served as the External Affairs Director for Verizon Pennsylvania, INC and had more than 45 years of experience in telecommunications; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Reed served as a board member and leader of numerous civic and community organizations, including PUSH, the Business Advisory Committee of the House of Umoja, the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, the West Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League, and Programs for Exceptional People; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his service, Mr. Reed received numerous honors, including the Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian Award, the National Council of Negro Women Community Service Award, the Valley Club's Community Service Award, the Cheyney University Hall of Fame Award, the City of Philadelphia Community Service Award, and the Operation PUSH Jesse Jackson Humanitarian Award; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Reed's commitment to Philadelphia extended beyond his professional responsibilities, earning him a reputation among colleagues, community leaders, elected officials, and residents as a dependable and generous individual who consistently worked to connect people and create opportunities for others; and
WHEREAS, By commemorating James Reed in the community he served, the City of Philadelphia recognizes not only his individual accomplishments but also the lasting impact of a life dedicated to strengthening Philadelphia and its residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby designates the 5600 Block of Woodbine Avenue as “James Albert ‘Jim’ Reed Way” to honor the life, legacy, and lasting contributions of James A. “Jim” Reed to the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of James Albert “Jim” Reed as evidence of the sincere respect and gratitude of this legislative body for his lifetime of service to Philadelphia.
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