To read FAN TRIBUTES to Mary Reeves click here. To see pictures from her MEMORIAL SERVICE, click here.

A lot of Jim's fans around the world have heard rumors about what happened to his beloved wife, Mary. Unfortunately, most of what they've heard is true -- and there are some things that have happened to her in recent years that are so shocking they defy believability. Mary worked hand-in-hand with Jim to help him build a career of international dimensions, and honored his memory in the decades since his death (working harder than most people knew to keep his name alive). But in the end, she lost it all: her dignity, her health, and her memories. Mary died in a custodial care facility in Nashville on Veteran's Day in 1999, and Jim's human remains, personal effects and legacy have been sold by her second husband, Terry Davis, to a carnival operator. Ed Gregory of United Shows, Inc. bought the Reeves estate at what some regard as a fire-sale price given the substantial real estate holdings and future royalties that came with it, and did so with an unsecured note.

Meanwhile, the Rev. Bill White, a nephew of Mary's who, through a strange twist of circumstances came to be appointed to act as her conservator, made a recommendation to the court that the sale of his aunt's estate proceed as Terry Davis had wanted it. The Reeves side of the family sued to block the sale, and their attorney got White to admit while on the witness stand that he had socialized with Mr. Gregory, though he contends this did not color his thinking. Even so, the Reeves family points out that White continues to get bookings through Gregory as he tries to jump-start his singing career by doing Jim Reeves numbers. Whew! Do you understand all this?

No allegations are being made by us here. Sometimes the truth is ineffable. We'd like to think all the parties involved in this dispute acted out of the purest of motives. But we do know this from personal knowledge: Mary Reeves told us over the years that she never intended to sell Jim Reeves Enterprises to ANY outsiders. Period. But that's exactly how things ended up once her second husband got the power of attorney.

The best way to put everything in perspective is for us to reproduce articles which appeared in the various newspapers, and let the facts speak for themselves. We feel that the discerning reader can easily read between the lines and get a pretty accurate idea of what's going on here.

But take heart -- the last chapter in this tragic story hasn't been written yet. There will no doubt be new developments in the case, and we'll give you updates here periodically, with the inside scoop from the Reeves family.

In happier times, Jim and Mary accept an award from Music Reporter magazine.

To Read Shocking Articles About the Court Case, Click Here.

To Read a Poignant Article By Mary Reeves About Jim, Click Here

Lani Arnold was Jim's favorite niece. He named her and even paid the hospital bills when she was born. She is the daughter of Virgie Reeves Thomas, one of Jim's two surviving sisters. Lani wrote the following letter to Jim's fans around the world, and in endorsement of this website:

A LETTER FROM LANI ARNOLD

(Shreveport, La., November 6, 1998)

I must say I was overwhelmed to hear of your interest in establishing a Jim Reeves web page that would answer questions truthfully. We as a family have had to contend with an awful lot of half-truths and out-and-out lies about Uncle Jim. He wasn't an entertainer to us, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, etc. to his family. He was a loving, giving, caring individual that was loved deeply. But as you know, lies tend to sell better than the truth. In this case, if people really knew the man or took the time to find out about the man, they would know he was a very interesting individual, and his story would stand alone without having to embellish the truth.

I certainly believe you have come to know the man and his music. This story needs to be told from start to finish.

Uncle Jim's death was devastating but what has happened to Aunt Mary is just as devastating to me. Because without Jim Reeves Enterprises, Mary Reeves ceases to thrive. I believe it is the heart and soul of who Mary Reeves is. I thank God every day that she doesn't understand what has happened to her. I truly believe she would "Have Fought the World Before She Would Have Ever Let Jim Reeves Go."

I wanted you to know my family supports you and your endeavors to set the record straight about Uncle Jim...

...I wish you much success with this awesome task.

Sincerely,

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©All contents copyright 1998 by Julie Campbell. All worldwide rights reserved. Photos and text may be downloaded from this site for personal use ONLY. All photographs used with exclusive permission of their owners, with signed affadavits on file (at the law offices of Wallentine, O'Toole in Omaha, Nebraska) attesting to this fact. Any re-use of photos/text is strictly prohibited and will constitute violation of copyright, with violators prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.