James Nelson Raper III

Jimmy was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on July 01, 1948, to James Nelson Raper, Jr. and Mary Louise Raper (McNeill). He had two sisters, Marilyn Eddie Ewing (deceased) and Carolyn Ruth Maroney (Raper), and one brother Mike Raper. Jimmy was an Air Force “Brat” and lived many places in the world, including Misawa Air Base in Japan, Kissimi, Florida, Laredo, TX, Sherman, TX, and Midwest City, OK (Tinker Air Force Base). He graduated from Del City High School and started his pre-dental studies at Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. After sustaining a life-threatening auto accident, when he was 22, much of his memory was erased. Many years later, he was determined to become a Dental Technologist, which he achieved, along with an additional B.S. degree. He also enjoyed Mexican food so much that he started a Mexican food restaurant in downtown OKC, called Que´ Pasa, in the 80’s.

His first wife was Brenda Partch with which they did not have any children. Several years later he married Diane Whistler with which they had one child, Suzanne and one stepdaughter Amy.

When they moved to Irving, TX, he became a driving instructor in the DFW area. He was quick to offer driving advice to all who were willing to listen… He enjoyed playing golf, from a young age, with his family and friends. He later moved to Hawaii and worked at Nevada Bob’s Golf. In his spare time, he loved giving golf lessons.

Walking and balance have been a challenge since his automobile accident. He was diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer and had surgery in December 2023. Although his cancer never returned, his balance and walking declined to the point of needing assistance from others, on occasion. He had many great friends in Midwest City and at his church that helped tremendously!

He is survived by his child, Suzanne, grandchildren River, Skye, and Blaze, sister Carolyn Maroney, brother Mike Raper, Sister-In-Law Dawna Raper, and many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at Meadowood Baptist Church at 11:00 AM on March 28, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meadowood Baptist Church in Midwest City, OK., or your local church and/or charity.

A Psalm of David.

23 The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not [a]want.

2 He makes me to lie down in [b]green pastures;

He leads me beside the [c]still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will [d]dwell in the house of the LORD

[e]Forever.