Jana was a recently retired educator. She devoted 34 years to the education of students and enrichment of their lives. Throughout her career, she was a high school basketball coach, athletic official, secondary gifted and talented coordinator, and senior high school Quiz Bowl coach. She was a member of the Arkansas Governor's Quiz Bowl Association Board of Directors. She also served as a National Honor Society sponsor, the high school math department chair, and member of the School Leadership Team. She received many awards during her years as an educator, amongst which having been twice-named Master Educator at Drew Central High School. In addition to her influence as an educator, Jana's individual intellect was reflected by her membership in MENSA.
In addition to having a brilliant mathematical mind, Jana was also a very gifted artist and creative crafter. She enjoyed trivia and everything Star Trek related. She was a devoted John Denver fan. One of her favorite memories as a teenager was attending a John Denver concert with her dad. She was also a lover of animals and supported several charities benefiting animal welfare.
Jana is survived by her son, James S. Reeves, M.D. and wife Whitney of Beebe, AR along with their children Harrison Michael and Genevieve Jane; one sister, Jodi O'Brien of Tucson, AZ; nephew, Authur O'Brien of Portland, OR; niece, Melanie O'Brien of Chico, CA; stepdaughter, Renee Kelly and husband Tim of Tulsa, OK along with their children Amber Kelly of Tulsa, OK; Aaron Kelly and his wife Cherub of Montrose, CO; step great granddaughters, Karina Jae Kreiner and Stormie Rey Kelly and Jana's yellow lab, Callie.
There will be a visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home Chapel in Monticello, AR.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Union cemetery in Sparta, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis (www.strayrescue.org) or Arkansas Paws in Prison (Director@PawsinPrision.org). Please sign the online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(10)
Sara Colbert Schoenborn
Waterloo, IL Thursday, October 10, 2024 My heart goes out to Jana's sister Jodi and her son Jimmy. I was heartbroken to learn of Jana's passing. She and I had been friends since we were tots. We were born in the same hospital just a few days apart and our mothers roomed together in the maternity ward. They became fast friends as did Jana and I growing up. We were in the same kindergarten class and always put our mats together at naptime. :-) We were close friends throughout elementary & high school, college and remained close even after moving far apart from one another, writing (and later emailing) each other often. I know she was regarded as being highly intelligent but the Jana I knew was just a normal fun-loving girl with a big beautiful smile. Right now there's a big empty hole where she should be but I know we will all see each other again one fine day.Kraig Brown
Star City, AR Monday, October 7, 2024 Jana will always hold a special place in my heart. She was an inspiration and mentor to me when I began my teaching career at Drew Central. She was one of the faculty who interviewed me, and she took a chance on me. She was always proud of my accomplishments and how my career had been progressing. I enjoyed spending Saturdays with her and the students at quiz bowl tournaments. I will always cherish her memories. May you find peace and comfort in this time of loss.Carra Hoover
Bonnerdale, AR Monday, October 7, 2024 Very sorry for your loss! Mrs. Jana was an amazing teacher to me at Drew Central and never got irritated how many times she had to show me one thing more than once. She was very much welcoming, caring and a mother away from home! She made a huge impact on me finishing high school!John Bolin
Ward, AR Saturday, October 5, 2024 James Reeves and family, I was so sad to learn of the passing of your Mom. I will be praying for you and your family. My prayer will be for God to surround you with his love, and comfort you in your time of loss.Melanie (Allen) Meeks
Rocky Mount, NC Saturday, October 5, 2024 I am sending prayers to all of Jana’s family. Jana was one of the kindest human I have ever known. She was a great big sister, a caring neighbor, and a great mother. My parents loved to watch her play in the yard with her son. Jodi we had some amazing times at sleep overs and Jana never let us know we got on her nerves! She will truly be missed.Peace and love,
Melanie
Joy Holley
Monticello, AR Saturday, October 5, 2024 My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this difficult time. Jana made our world a better place, and she will be missed.Alannah Hensley
Washington, DC Friday, October 4, 2024 I had the privilege of working with Mrs. Reeves throughout high school at Drew Central. She gave up many Saturdays to cart us to and from Quiz Bowl tournaments around the state, always arranging a stop at a bookstore afterwards. Those weekly practices and Saturday trips are some of the happiest memories of my teenage years, and I can’t express how much of an impact Jana had on me as a young woman. I know the same is true for my classmates. I was fortunate to run into Jana a few years ago and catch up on her plans for her impending retirement. My deepest condolences to the family, please know Jana’s legacy lives on in all her former students and I cannot think of another teacher who had such a big impact on our little school. I will always remember our conversations about feminism, rescues animals, star trek, politics, and theoretical physics. Jana was a bright light in this world, and I know her light is still shining somewhere out there in the universe.“I believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we’ve lived.” –Jean-Luc Picard
Chaille Brown
Star City, AR Friday, October 4, 2024 You were a friend and a mentor. You treated my daughter like she was your own. You left a permanent mark on all of our quiz bowl students and a lasting impression on all your students. I knew when you retired and I left the school where we taught across the hall from each other that we would lose touch, but I wish I had known you were sick. Your death was a shock to say the least. JReeves, you are already missed. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for all you did for me, my family, and my teaching. ~ CBrownCindy Luper
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 3, 2024 I’m so sorry for your loss. Jana was one of the most intelligent people I have known. She was an excellent teacher and a great colleague. I will be out of town on Sunday but wanted to express my deepest condolences.Carolyn Shry
Russellville, AR Thursday, October 3, 2024 I had no idea you were sick & this came as a shock to me know you had a son up north. You were a beloved member of our board for many years. You will be sorely missed board would like to do something in your memory but not flowers if son could reach out to me at email Carolynshry@ gmail would love to see what we could do