John Thomas Reeves

Dr. John Thomas Reeves, 74, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in Yakima, Washington, surrounded by his family. John was born on February 8, 1952, in York, Nebraska, to John and Willa “Billie” Reeves.

At age five, his family moved to Cobden, Illinois, where he grew up and graduated from Cobden High School in 1970. He excelled in basketball and baseball, and remained a lifelong sports fan, especially of Nebraska Cornhuskers football, Purdue basketball, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Seattle Seahawks.

On August 29, 1970, John married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Flamm. Together they raised two daughters, Amanda, and Julia, and shared 33 years of marriage, until Kathy’s passing in 2003.

A passionate believer in education and lifelong learning, John earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. in Plant Virology from Purdue University in 1980.

John built a distinguished career in agriculture and food production. He began as a research scientist with Frito-Lay, before joining Anheuser-Busch in 1983, where his work took him from St. Louis to Yakima, Idaho Falls, and back to Illinois in a variety of research, procurement, and executive leadership roles. He later returned to the Yakima Valley, as CEO of Yakima Chief, Inc., served as COO of Roy Farms, and founded CEO Services, advising agricultural organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Throughout his career, John made a lasting impact on agriculture and horticulture. He helped develop grower-direct hop programs, played a key role in the development of the Pink Lady apple brand in the United States, and in 2022 was honored with the Order of the Hop for his contributions to the hop industry, a recognition of which he was especially proud. He also served on the board of Heritage University, where he championed leadership and professional development programs.

While proud of his professional accomplishments, John believed his greatest responsibility as a leader was developing others. He spent decades mentoring colleagues, encouraging growth, and helping countless individuals become stronger professionals and leaders.

Outside of work, John found joy in family, friends, horses, and the outdoors. He had a special love for his horses, Zephyr, and Little Buck, and treasured the many hours spent riding the backcountry. He loved hunting elk, whitetail deer, and ducks. He was just as passionate about the conversations, friendships, and campfire stories that accompanied those adventures. Some of his most meaningful mentoring took place not in a boardroom, but on horseback or around a fire.

In 2016, John married Judie Cyr and began another cherished chapter of life. He warmly welcomed Judie’s children and grandchildren into his life and loved them as his own. Together, John and Judie built a life centered on family, companionship, and adventure, sharing travels to Africa, Costa Rica, Alaska, and many weekends at Potholes Reservoir.

John’s greatest pride was his family. Family gatherings, camping trips, vacations, grandchildren’s activities, and sporting events were at the center of his life. Known affectionately as “Poppy” to his grandchildren, he took great joy in cheering them on, sharing time together, and creating memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

He is survived by his wife, Judie Cyr-Reeves; daughter, Amanda (Jason) Perrault, and their children Mikaela Perrault (Brady Gibson), Joshua (Calie) Perrault, and River Perrault; great-grandson August Perrault; daughter, Julia (Drew) Gaskell, and their children Hudson, Paxton, and Georgia Gaskell; brothers, Mike Reeves, and Robert Reeves; sister, Ruth (Fred) Hoak; the children and grandchildren he welcomed into his family through his marriage to Judie; and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and friends. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Kathy; his parents, John and Billie Reeves; and his son-in-law through his relationship with Judie, Kenny Osborn.

John never met a stranger and leaves behind countless friends. His genuine interest in people, easy conversation, and willingness to share a story created friendships wherever life took him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Highgate Senior Living and Yakima MultiCare Hospice, especially his nurse, Ariana, for their compassionate care and support.

John’s legacy lives on in the people he loved, the family he cherished, the professionals he mentored, and the leaders he helped develop. He remained deeply committed to education, science, and research throughout his life. In keeping with those values, his family donated his brain to the University of Washington Brain Lab to support dementia research, a final contribution to the pursuit of knowledge that defined so much of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a scholarship fund being established in John’s name. Details will be available at his Celebrations of Life.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held on October 11, 2026, at 1:00pm, at Perham Hall (The Warehouse) in Zillah, Washington, where drinks and appetizers will be provided. A second Celebration will be held on November 22, 2026, at Giant City Lodge in Makanda, Illinois, with an open bar, beginning at 3:30pm. The Service and Dinner will begin at 4:30pm.

Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.