James Reid* - Hamtramck/Midland

C. Jim Reid was a graduate of Michigan State Normal College (Eastern Michigan University). He became athletic director of Highland Park High School and Highland Park Junior College in 1917. Except for a period during World War I, Jim had this position until 1925 when he became director of the Hamtramck Recreation Department and Health Department. He started the annual Intercity Basketball Tournament in 1931, an event bringing together the champions of the metropolitan Detroit area. The basketball tournament drew nine teams and the Hamtramck Grand Trunk team won the tournament. In addition, the Hamtramck team was involved in other MMAAA sponsored tournaments, baseball, tennis and volleyball held in the Metropolitan Detroit area. During this time the Hamtramck Recreation Department was recognized as one of the best in the State of Michigan. In 1942, he accepted the position Commissioner of Parks and Recreation for Midland, Michigan. He was the first full-time director of Parks and Recreation for Midland. Jim was recognized as a pioneer and leader in our profession for a period of 40 years.

In 1948, as President of RAM he represented the lower peninsula at the first recreation directors meeting held in the Upper Peninsula. This meeting resulted in the formation of the Upper Peninsula Michigan Recreation Association which became an integral part of MRA.

Jim is well known for his active participation in our professional organization. A person who dealt with challenges and controversies in a positive manner. He was involved in our professional organization for approximately 22 years, a member of MRA and RAM. His service involved President (3 years), Vice President, including chair and committee member of softball, membership and budget, youth guidance, constitution, awards and conference and institute planning.

He received the first Service Award presented to a member of MRA and the first Fellow Award presented to a member of MRA (with John Considine and Henry Shubert). In addition, he was a member of the National Recreation Association, American Recreation Society and charter member of the Michigan Sports Sages, President of the Michigan Softball Association (MSA), Commissioner of MSA's District II and Vice President of the Michigan Hockey Association. Jim recalled, at his retirement, an unforgettable experience that of being included into Sigma Delta Psi, a national athletic honorary fraternity which required a member to pass rigid physical requirements before being accepted.

As Midland's Parks and Recreation Director, Jim was instrumental in carrying out a vast number of improvements in programs and services. He was involved in the expansion of Central Park-enlarging the wading pool, building two intermediate pools along with four tennis courts. He also developed Midland's neighborhood ice skating rink program, helped in the construction of the City Forest toboggan run and the construction of two Currie Municipal golf courses.

Charles James Thomas Reid is remembered for his devotion to the profession as part of the important history of Midland and his recognition that helping people utilize leisure is a necessary and welcome function of local government.