James N Raver, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, December 4, 2022 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. He was born on September 25, 1936 in Batesville, Indiana to Lillian and Edwin Raver. He is preceded in death by his brother, Robert (Bob).
Jim served our country in the Marine Corp after high school for three years. He was very proud of his service and passed that patriotism and love of country to his children and grandchildren. He then met the love of his life and soulmate, Bonnie in Indianapolis at college; they just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary last month.
Jim and Bonnie built a life centered around the teachings and values of the Catholic Church. He was a member of St Gabriel the Archangel Parish in Louisville. They were a team in all ways and a formidable one at that. Bonnie and Jim laughed and loved each other every day of their wonderful time together on this earth. Jim was a generous man and supported many community charities as well as any one that crossed his path that needed a helping hand.
Jim was the consummate salesman and had a work ethic second to none.
Together they raised their three children and began their own company, Fireplace Distributors, Inc, in 1973 in Louisville, KY. where it continues to be a thriving business today. He had a zest for life and never met a stranger. Jim supported his children in all of their school clubs, endeavors and sports teams as either the organizer, coach, parent volunteer or fan from the stands. He loved watching his grandchildren grow into such wonderful young adults. He felt pride in meeting his great grandchildren even as his declining health limited his time with them. Jim played golf regularly at Wildwood Country Club, enjoyed dinners out with wonderful friends & family and loved being anywhere as long as Bonnie was with him. Jim had such a presence about him, and larger than life character that will certainly never be forgotten and always be missed.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Bonnie, his three children, Jim (Karen); Susan; Tom (Kellie); his six grandchildren, Anna; Emma Kate (Mark); Benjamin (Stacy); Zachary (Sophie); Alex; and Caitlyn and his four great grandchildren, Frederick, Lucy, Peter & Eloise, his brother David (Carol), his sister in law Nancy, several nieces and nephews and many friends he met along the way.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation for the wonderful care provided by Dr. Priya Balakrishna and Dr. Charles Webb as well as caregivers Sidney, Kay, Gale, and Debi. A special thank you to Christy Mercer for her many years of support, care and friendship to our family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Crusade for Children, Hosparus Health of Louisville, or Mass of the Air - Archdiocese of Louisville.
Funeral service will be private.
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