James "Jim" Alan Straayer

James Alan Straayer “Jim”

May 15, 1943 – April 3, 2025

James Alan Straayer, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, affectionately known as “Jim" passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025. Known for his kindness, grounded grace, selflessness and relentless spirit, Jim left a legacy of love, laughter, and generosity that touched all who knew him.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jim graduated from Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ, and went on to attend the University of Rhode Island, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society. He earned his undergraduate degree in Pharmacy and later completed his master’s degree in Pharmacy at Wayne State University. In 1968, Jim was drafted by the United States military and received his first assignment as the Director of Pharmacy at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. It was the beginning of a distinguished Air Force career that spanned 25 years, and concluded at Patrick Space Force Base. After retiring from the Air Force he continued his work as a pharmacist at Walgreens. 

Jim lived with a vibrant spirit and deep appreciation for life's joys. A lifelong music lover particularly drawn to The Beatles and Hawaiian music, he could often be found singing, whistling, or humming throughout the day. Music was his language of joy and connection, one he lovingly passed to his children.

With his wife, Nita, Jim shared countless adventures. They traveled extensively from Hawaii to Europe, embracing a spirit of curiosity that became a cornerstone of their family life, one he passed on to his children and grandson.

Their shared love for sports took them to all four tennis Grand Slams, PGA tournaments and iconic college football games. At home, Jim found joy in life's simple pleasures—weekly tennis matches with close friends, bike rides through town and to the beach, and top-down cruises in his Mustang convertible with music blasting.

Jim possessed a remarkable gift for making people feel at ease with his warm humor, gentle heart, and caring spirit. Truly one of the kindest people you could ever meet, he embodied humility and compassion in every interaction. His quiet strength and unwavering determination shone through in all he did. He never gave up and never let anyone feel forgotten or unimportant.

To his family, he was a devoted husband, proud father, loving grandfather, and caring brother. Known as "Maui Jim" to many friends, a fitting nickname that reflected his love for Maui-he was, in every sense, a "great guy" who lived life to the fullest. His “inner core” always knew they could count on him without hesitation, as he would offer the shirt off his back and truly mean it.

Jim was predeceased by his parents George and Helen and sister Lynn Pfeifer. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nita; his children, Jimmy and Cherise (Curtis); his grandson, Mason; and his sisters Mimi Barrelli and Joan Jones. 

A funeral mass will be held on May 15, 2025 at 11:00 am at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.