James Claiborne "Clay" Rangeley

James Claiborne "Clay" Rangeley was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

      James was born on December 17, 1977 at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, La. He was the son of James Pierre (Pete) and Lisa Elisar Rangeley. James grew up in Dutchtown, La.

      James was raised with three siblings. He had one younger brother and two younger sisters. James was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years. James was very proud of his little brother Bruce. They spent as much time together as they could.

      As a young boy, James had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. James was an active child who liked bicycle riding, archery and skateboarding. He was a boy scout and a member of 4-H. In his spare time he liked baseball cards, comic books, music and cars. However, to James, the most fun he had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, James had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Parkview Baptist High School in 1997. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was chemistry and science. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Eva Bourgeois.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, James enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Cleavy Stafford, Dennis Vice, Mike Boudin, Lucas Delaune, Brandon and Jonathon Rangeley, Ricky Zito and Keith Doughty. Later in life, he became friends with Robert Hill, who was not only his friend, but his mentor.

       James enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, James worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was Scaffold Builder. He was employed for 2 yrs. at Brand Scaffold and 5 yrs. at Cars Inc as a salesman. James always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      James enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were video games, fishing and golf. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      James found pleasure in sports. In high school, James played basketball. Recreational sports included golf. James was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were football and basketball.

      James’s faith was important to him. He was a member St. John the Evangelist for 15 years.

      Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, James was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included top car salesman of the month several times.

      James enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Florida, Gulf Shores Alabama, Disney World, Oklahoma City, Disneyland and Midland Texas.

      James passed away on August 27, 2009 at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, La. James was rear ended by a hot shot truck pulling a trailer on Interstate I-10. He is survived by his mother Lisa Rangeley, brother Bruce Boudreaux, sister Chantel Rangeley and Rachelle Rangeley, grandmother Ruth Elisar, nephew Mason Clark,uncle Jerry Rangeley, aunt Heather Rangeley, cousins Brandon and Jonathon Rangeley, Leslie and Boyd Templet, cousin Sheree and Kurt Mire, uncles Ory Poret and Clarence Berthelot, uncle and aunt Robert and Vennie Elisar. Services were held at Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales, Louisiana. James was laid to rest in Prairieville Community Cemetary in Prairieville, Louisiana.

      Simply stated, James was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. James leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories.

James touched lives even after he passed. Deborah (Deb) Cazelot, a close friend of the family received James's liver, approximately one month after being preped and denied another donors liver. Due to God's intervention, James's liver was a perfect match for Deb. She is now leading a healthy life. His kidney was received by an anonymous 32 year old single mother. Our prayers are with her and her family.

Special thanks goes out to Cenikor Foundation for helping James make choices that changed his life and he began to acheive his goals, before his life was cut short. James graduaed from Cenikor. Lisa Rangeley (his mother) proudly accepted his diploma on September 12, 2009, 16 days after his death. James Claiborne "Clay" Rangeley God's special angel will be loved and remembered always.