Raymond James Obituary

NEW BUFFALO - Raymond Allen James Sr., a lifelong resident of the New Buffalo area, a dedicated family man, and a respected businessman, passed away on July 1, 2025, in New Buffalo, Michigan. He was born on May 1, 1945, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Florence (Gable) James and Russell James. Raymond was the eighth of ten children and grew up in Union Pier and New Buffalo, graduating from New Buffalo High School in 1963.

On June 12, 1965, Raymond married his beloved wife, Jean Mast, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years.

Ray's strong work ethic was evident throughout his life. He initially worked at CBI in Union Pier. In April 1976, he co-founded A&R Truss Company, Inc. with the late Al Balzer. Ray was instrumental in growing and developing the company, overseeing its incorporation in 1990 and move and expansion from New Buffalo to LaPorte, and eventually back to New Buffalo, before its closure in 2012. Never one to truly retire, he later worked for family friend Jerry Looney at L&S Metal Recycling in Valparaiso, continuing to work full time well into his late 70s. Raymond was known as a workaholic who dedicated his life to hard work and sacrifice.

A man of many interests with a thirst for knowledge, Ray was an avid reader, an American history buff, and a fan and watcher of Jeopardy and other game shows that challenged his wit. He was a talented builder and creator, constructing soap box derby cars and elaborate treehouses for his sons when they were young, picnic tables and other furniture and household goods for friends and family, and undertaking various projects around his house and church. His generosity knew no bounds; he was always willing to put others before himself and consistently looked out for his neighbors, friends, and family members.

Ray was a proud and endlessly supportive pillar of his family, providing unconditional love and support to all. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and always looked for the best in people. Being "Boppa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was one of his greatest joys. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in New Buffalo & Three Oaks for many years before his health deteriorated.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jean (Mast) James; his sons, Raymond (the late Lisa) James of Three Oaks and Dennis (Alejandro) James of Irvine, CA; and his daughter, Kristina (Vic Upton) Jirtle of New Buffalo. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Ronnie (Roxie) Swank, Amanda James, Justin (Sylvia) Jirtle, and Kaylee Jirtle; and his great-grandchildren, Mya, Kalum, and Alex Swank. He also leaves behind his sister, Barbara Bolton; his brother, Terry James; sisters-in-law, Marcella (Fellows) James, Sherilyn (Scurlock) Johnson, Emma (Mast) Givens, Kate (Janssen) Mast, and Nancy (Dunkel) Mast; brothers-in-law, Fred Mast and Randy Mast; 34 nieces and nephews; and countless other extended family members, friends, and acquaintances whose lives he touched.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Florence James; daughter-in-law Lisa (Murdock) James; sisters, Shirley Schroeder, JoAnne Motycka, Sharon Motycka, and Judy Bohne; his brothers, Gordon James, Dick James, and Larry James; his sisters-in-law, Carole (Motycka) James and Roberta (Mast) Freeling; brothers-in-law, Glenn Bolton, Ron Schroeder, Jim Motycka, Tony Motycka, Rich Bohne, Paul Givens, and Ollie Freeling; and four nephews.

Raymond's legacy of hard work, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and community will be cherished by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held for Ray at the Three Oaks United Methodist Church, 2 Sycamore St E, Three Oaks, MI 49128 at 11:00 a.m. EDT followed by a celebration of life/luncheon at the New Buffalo American Legion Post 169, 19139 US-12, New Buffalo, MI 49117 on Saturday, August 9, 2025.