James “Boppie” Maxwell Valentine, 84, passed peacefully in his sleep on October 11th, 2020. He was born September 3rd, 1936 in Macon, Georgia. He was a loving and devoted husband to his best friend, Deane “Mimi” Valentine, and their 61 year marriage will go down in history as one of the most inspiring love stories. He was a wise father to his two surviving daughters, Schell Rice ~ husband Denny, and Paige Valentine. He was a doting grandfather to his surviving grandchildren, Devin Rice ~ wife Keisha, Michael Query, Zachary Query ~ wife Melissa, Olivia Rice, Leah Nelson, and Raven Valentine. He was an involved and excited great grandfather to Ella Query and soon-to-come L.J. Query.
While his life included travels to many interesting places, he was a Georgia boy at heart, and held Macon as his hometown. He spent time as an Air Force Pilot and served in the Vietnam war, always saying that he would gladly give his life for his country. Those years brought him continued happiness and pride his whole life, followed by a successful career in sales and a lifetime packed with adventures that gave him many fantastic stories. In 1987, he and Deane moved to their dream home on Lake Hickory, where they enjoyed the companionship of many friends.There, he lived until his death, and imbued his home with the love and inclusivity with which he lived.
Perhaps the easiest way to get to know him is to spend time in his study, which contained nearly 7,000 vinyl albums of various genres, books on every topic, and a variety of dozens of cameras. His never ending curiosity lead him to constantly explore new topics that ranged from technology to philosophy to history and everything in between. His strong Christian faith was a notable influence on how he lived his life, and shone through in every bit of advice he gave. He was always loving and humble, and spent many years as an elder in his church. One of his many skills included the ability to identify when he had an audience, and the ability to have a whole room hanging on his hilarious stories. Some such stories included Officer Candidate School, hijinks from his youth, and his beloved childhood dog, Skeeter. Dogs in general were very special to him, and none could pass within a few feet without getting petted or held.
In his final days, his family was blessed with the opportunity to spend time and laughter with him and each other. His last day was much like the rest of his life, full of wisdom and humor, connecting personally to everyone he met. In October of 1962, he achieved his Pilot’s Wings, and now 58 years later he has achieved his Angel’s Wings. His eyes have since been donated to diabetes research at his request. He truly was a best friend to all, and the world is dimmer without him in it.
His social-distancing friendly funeral will be held at Catawba Memorial Park Cemetery on October 24th, 2020 at 2:00pm. For out of town friends and family, please be aware that due to Covid, there will not be an opportunity to visit with the family. While attendance at the service itself is welcome, we will also be live-streaming the entire memorial on Deane Valentine’s FaceBook page and look forward to hearing your condolences online. For those who wish to come in person, please stay at or by your car as everything will be visible from the parking lot. There will be some short eulogies and a military-style ceremony.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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