James C. Reynolds
Not many in Oklahoma can say that their community grew nearly six-fold in population while they were in office. But if you have been on the Broken Arrow City Council since 1975, you can. However, people are not selected for this Hall of Fame only for their leadership or accomplishments in their community. In addition to numerous local achievements during the more than 27 years James Reynolds has served as a Councilman and Mayor in Broken Arrow, he also has been a vital force for municipal government in other areas.
This Vian native developed an early love for basketball and education, which lead him first to Connors Junior College on a basketball scholarship. He transferred to Northeastern State College in Tahlequah where he earned his Bachelor's degree. His pursuit of education later lead to stints at OSU, OU, UCO, and eventually to a Master's degree from Washington University in St. Louis through a National Science Foundation Grant. Over the years he has taught, coached, or been a principal (on occasion fulfilling all three roles at the same time). His teaching career involved the school systems at Webbers Falls, Alluwe, Vian, and Broken Arrow. During this time he also served a two-year hitch with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Reynolds moved his family to Broken Arrow in 1966 when he began a 20-year career in the Exploration Department of Amoco Production. He retired from Amoco in 1986 and taught math in Broken Arrow schools until 1990, the year he first became "Mr. Mayor." During this time this personable public official also worked with Rainbow Girls and DeMolay clubs, coached youth baseball and softball, taught Adult Sunday School classes and the many, many other activities in which committed leaders become involved. All the while, rapid growth continued in Broken Arrow. Jim Reynolds was at the helm as the citizens supported major improvement after major improvement to build the type of community they desired.
But, Jim's impact has reached far beyond the boundaries of Broken Arrow. He has been a regional leader through his service on the Tulsa County Criminal Justice Authority, the Indian Nations Council of Government Board and its General Assembly, and the Regional Metropolitan Utility Authority. In addition, he has distinguished himself for his service on the Boards of Directors of the Oklahoma Municipal League and the Oklahoma Conference of Mayors. He is cited by many as a significant force in the development of the Creek Turnpike Extension and in gaining support from the citizens of Broken Arrow and others to develop a Broken Arrow campus for Northeastern State University that will serve the metro area and beyond.