James L."Crickett"Valentine

A lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, he died at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, after a brief illness with cancer. He was 65. He lived life in the manner we wished we could all live: simple and happy. He was a kind-hearted soul who loved life and gave to everyone he knew. He will be missed by many, especially around Christmas, as he was the Santa of his neighborhood. He collected toys for Christmas gifts to give to needy children. He loved children and children loved him. He joked around a lot, was always willing to work and lend a helping hand. James "Crickett" was a very giving man who exemplified the true love of Jesus Christ. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a memorial service at 6 p.m. Survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Frank Jr. and Celeste Caruso, Baton Rouge; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Karin Valentine, Harker Heights, Texas; nieces and nephews, Courtney and Chris Lee, Dallas, Melissa Caruso, Lafayette, Frank Caruso III, Baton Rouge, and Diana, Bobby and Christian Valentine, both of Harker Heights, Texas; and great-nephews, Christopher and Carson Lee, both of Dallas. Preceded in death by his parents, James Valentine Sr., Frank Caruso Sr. and Beatrice Caruso.