In Memory Of
James D. Raye
1953
2023
James D. Raye
January 14, 1953 — April 11, 2023
"I know it won't be long before I get to experience something I have NEVER experienced before. I will stand in the presence of God, and for the first time, I will be able to feel His love in a way I have never been able to experience before. And it will break my heart in such a wonderful way!"
Jim Raye, my brother and my hero, expressed this thought to me shortly before he passed away on April 11, 2023 after a brief but courageous battle with ALS.
Jim was born in Scobey, Montana on January 14, 1953. He attended school there, until moving with his family to Billings, Montana in 1967. There, he graduated from Billings West High School in 1971 and went on to attend Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then Eastern Montana College in Billings, where he graduated with a degree in English.
Jim had an extraordinary life full of experiences many will never know. He was an accomplished musician, playing guitar in several small bands, including one for Celebrate Recovery at Highland Park Church. He spent some time in the Philippines, where he also performed for crowds attending Christian worship services there.
He was a master carpenter, and spent many years in Alaska, working on the construction of homes during the oil boom years there. His talents in design, remodeling and construction, from ground up, were exemplary.
He was an accomplished artist and writer, as well; and over the years amassed a significant collection of his drawings, paintings, compositions and poetry.
Jim lived in Phoenix, Arizona for many years, where he was a partner in the operation and maintenance of a hospice home. An avid biker, jogger, he often went on long runs in 100+ degree heat. He was one tough cookie, indeed. In 2003, he moved to Casper, where his family had previously settled. He remained in Casper, and often remarked there was no better place to live.
Jim was preceded by his grandparents, John and Della Shennum, his parents, Eldon and Ruth Raye, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins and, of course, his beloved dog-son, Gem.
He survived by his biggest fan and little sister, Deb Muhlbeier; niece, Rachel Karwoski; grandnephew, Weston Randorf and grandniece Addi Postema.
Jim was a stony, strong individual, but he had a heart of gold. He was tough on the outside but soft on the inside, which was only evidence to the dearest of friends, family and his precious savior, Jesus.
Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.
Jim Raye, my brother and my hero, expressed this thought to me shortly before he passed away on April 11, 2023 after a brief but courageous battle with ALS.
Jim was born in Scobey, Montana on January 14, 1953. He attended school there, until moving with his family to Billings, Montana in 1967. There, he graduated from Billings West High School in 1971 and went on to attend Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then Eastern Montana College in Billings, where he graduated with a degree in English.
Jim had an extraordinary life full of experiences many will never know. He was an accomplished musician, playing guitar in several small bands, including one for Celebrate Recovery at Highland Park Church. He spent some time in the Philippines, where he also performed for crowds attending Christian worship services there.
He was a master carpenter, and spent many years in Alaska, working on the construction of homes during the oil boom years there. His talents in design, remodeling and construction, from ground up, were exemplary.
He was an accomplished artist and writer, as well; and over the years amassed a significant collection of his drawings, paintings, compositions and poetry.
Jim lived in Phoenix, Arizona for many years, where he was a partner in the operation and maintenance of a hospice home. An avid biker, jogger, he often went on long runs in 100+ degree heat. He was one tough cookie, indeed. In 2003, he moved to Casper, where his family had previously settled. He remained in Casper, and often remarked there was no better place to live.
Jim was preceded by his grandparents, John and Della Shennum, his parents, Eldon and Ruth Raye, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins and, of course, his beloved dog-son, Gem.
He survived by his biggest fan and little sister, Deb Muhlbeier; niece, Rachel Karwoski; grandnephew, Weston Randorf and grandniece Addi Postema.
Jim was a stony, strong individual, but he had a heart of gold. He was tough on the outside but soft on the inside, which was only evidence to the dearest of friends, family and his precious savior, Jesus.
Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James D. Raye, please visit our flower store.
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