James Harold “Dinger” Reynolds, passed away peacefully March 11, 2026, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, MO. He was 54.
Dinger, was he was known by family and friends, was born to James Donald and Cynthia Ann Weaver Reynolds, September 15, 1971, at Waukegan, Illinois. The family moved to Hiawatha, Kansas when he was a toddler. He grew up attended schools, graduating from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1989.
He developed a strong work ethic, with his ‘true love’ being military….A MARINE! He enlisted May 1, 1990 being discharged September 10, 1991 as a Lance Corporal. He returned to Brown County for another love of his life, his future wife. He married Cynthia Annette Chandler, September 15, 1995, at Hiawatha. They made Hiawatha and later Falls City their home where they raised their family.
Another love he developed (from his mother) was law enforcement. He started was a Reserve Officer prior to working as a jailer for the Brown County Sheriff Department for a number of years. He later worked at Wal-Mart for 10 years, Store Kraft wood products, Wal-Mart in store planning for five years. He returned to law enforcement where he worked in maintenance for Casino White Cloud and later security for Highland Community College.
Dinger enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, crafting and talking to the grandchildren. AND watching Raider Football.
Survivors include his wife Cindy of the home, their children: Samantha (JT) Tisdel, David J. Reynolds, Dillon Shafer; three grandchildren: Cassidy Tisdel, Charlotte Tisdel, and Damon Tisdel.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister Sheila Reynolds.
The family will meet with friends at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, with military honors. Friends are encouraged to wear Raider gear (ugh).
Friends may sign the register book March 23 or 24 during office hours.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the James Reynolds Memorial Fund sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
