James Robert Reich, Sr.

James Robert Reich Sr., 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Dalton, Georgia on December 14, 2022. James (Jim) was born on January 21, 1929, in Chattanooga, TN. He is survived by daughters Cynthia (Ed) Reich Montalvo, Patty (Jim) Reich Giuliani, son James Robert (Peggy) Reich, Jr., and eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were twin sister Jean Reich Moore, and brother Val Reich III.

Jim graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1952 with a bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering w/honors and married the love of his life, Dorothy (Dot) Louise Brooks. Jim served with the US Army Corp of Engineers (Chemical Corp) during the Korean Conflict, rising to the rank of Captain. Afterwards he began his business career with Tennessee Eastman Kodak Company in Kingsport, TN. In 1962 the family moved to Dalton and he began working with Lou Meltzer, selling yarn to the carpet industry. He then started his own carpet dye house called Unique Processing Company. As President he ran this business for many years before selling it to Bob Shaw. He continued to work in the carpet industry until retirement.

Jim was an extremely active member of First Baptist Church of Dalton. Some of his accomplishments include teaching Sunday School for four decades, serving as Deacon and Chairman of the Renovation Committee, and implementing the Prayer Garden and the Community “Soul Food” Garden. Jim and Dot actively supported Whitfield Healthcare Foundation campaigns. He served on the board at Royal Oaks. Jim’s leadership skills were highly respected in the community as were Dot’s. Jim was an accomplished gardener and avid fisherman.

The family will hold a combined service for Jim and Dot at First Baptist Church on Saturday, January 7, 2023. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1 to 3 PM on that Saturday with a funeral service to follow at 3 PM with Pastor Jonathan Barlow officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Foundation.