James Donald Raap, 77 of Branch, went to his Heavenly Father Sunday, February 19, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. He was met by his wife, the late Martha (Antor), son Roger Raap, his parents Donald and Joyce Raap, sister Donna Glennemeier, and many other family members and friends.
Jim was born December 15, 1939 in Grand Rapids. In 1957, he graduated from Sparta High School then enlisted in the United States Navy where he served until 1960. Jim married Martha in 1961 and raised six children together. After 40 years at Spartan Graphics, Jim retired in 2002. He loved target shooting and being outdoors tinkering with projects; especially his tractor Johnny, and driving the grandchildren, nieces, and nephews around in his golf cart. Jim enjoyed bonfires as well but most of all, he loved to read.
Jim was survived by his daughters, Anne (Daniel) Decator, Judith (Tom) Slonecki, Mary (Clark) Channells, sons Scott Raap and Kenneth Raap; daughter in law, Carol Johnston; sisters, Violet (Jean) Umlor, Patricia Carpenter, Roslyn Raap, Kathy (Gary) Green, Helen (Rick) Elizinga; brothers, Richard (Carol) Raap, Michael (Paula) Raap; brother in law, Robert Glennemeier; 11 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 24, 2017 at 11 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Custer, with visitation starting at 10 am. There will also be a time of visitation on Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Ludington. Jim’s final resting place is Lakeview Cemetery in Irons. Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Spectrum Health Ludington.
Please share your fond memories of Jim at www.OakGroveFH.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Ludington.
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