James Alan Raess
With deep sadness we inform you that we lost a great man who was a husband, Marine, father, brother, and my soulmate. James Alan Raess was born in Appleton, Wis., on Nov. 5, 1946, and passed away peacefully at home in Hayden, Idaho, on Nov. 6, 2020, with his wife, Diana, by his side
Jim was born to Roy Raess and Violet (Nagreen) Raess. He enjoyed the Wisconsin outdoors, deer hunting, ice fishing, and of course, the Green Bay Packers. Jim married Judi Raess in June 1966 and had a son, John Alan Raess and a daughter, Jodi Anne Raess.
Jim joined the Marine Corps in September 1971 and was so proud to be a Marine. He earned the nickname “Old Man” since he was 24 years old when he joined, making him the oldest in his platoon. Jim was a tank crewman out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., until a tank accident caused the disability which kept him from continuing to serve. Jim received an honorable discharge.
Jim married Stephanie Raess in August 1973 and had a son, Steven James Raess.
Jim moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1976. He married Lynette Buhman in January 1981 and had a daughter, Danielle L. Raess.
Jim followed the growth and lives of his children with love and was immensely proud of them. Jim felt blessed knowing that his children made good decisions in their lives growing up. All these choices reflect the wonderful adults that they have become. Jim treasured the time that Jodi lived with us, always cherishing these special memories.
Jim met his soulmate, best friend and wife, Diana Branch, on Feb. 2, 1986 in Phoenix. They always thanked God for bringing them together. Jim and Diana were married on July 4, 1987, in Las Vegas. Jim always stated he “lost his independence” on that Fourth of July date, but rest assured — he never forgot his anniversary date!
Jim and Diana moved to Seattle in 1988. They enjoyed all their together time — fishing, hunting, target shooting, exploring the great outdoors and antique hunting
Jim and Diana then moved to Coeur d’Alene, to their forever hometown, in 1993. Jim loved the beautiful Northwest and continued his love of fishing, hunting, road trips, antique shopping and enjoying all his time with friends at Capone’s and Sargent’s.
Jim loved his sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Barry Creighton, treasuring all our many vacations and family get-togethers. Barry was always his “Bro,” as he affectionately called him, and Jim is now with Barry, looking down from above on the Branch girls. Jim always had a loving and whimsical bond with his special mother-in-law, Anneta Branch.
Jim had a strong work ethic. He took such pride in his workmanship and attention to detail. His honest reputation and skills kept him continuously working, and Jim continued working 7 days a week, for the next 22 years, until physical health slowed him down.
Jim joined the local Pappy Boyington Marine Corps League in Idaho. He jumped in with both feet, bonding with so many wonderful Corps brothers and sisters — Ron, Sally, Ben, George, Don, Mike, Duke, and so many others. Jim became such a stout supporter of all the MCL programs and eventually became “Wagon Master” of the coffee wagon. Jim took great pride setting up the coffee wagon for fundraising events, Toys for Tots and parades. He was proud to be named the Marine Corps League Devil Dog of the Year in 2012 and the Marine of the Year in 2013.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Violet Raess; his grandfather, Charles Nagreen “Hamburger Charlie” and brother-in-law, Barry Creighton.
Jim is survived by his wife of 33 years, Diana Raess; his children, Jodi, John, Steven and Danielle; sister, Sandy Rothlisberg (Allan); sisters-in-law, Linda Creighton and Ruth Morris (John); mother-in-law, Anneta Branch; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving dog and companion, Miss Daisy Blue.
Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, at Yates Funeral Home, 373 East Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho. Online registry and obituary may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com
Jim Raess was kind hearted and a blessing to all who knew him.
Jimmy will be my forever Angel, always in my heart, and missed deeply forever.
