James Peter Raden

A look at the life of our brother, uncle, and friend James (Jim) Peter Raden Jim was born on October 18th, 1928 in Avon, Minnesota, to Bill and Frances Raden and died on September 29th in Puyallup, Washington surrounded by family. He was the first of nine children who included brothers Ed (Colleen), Rich (Lynette), Ken (Sharon) and Archie (Dodie), sisters Ione, Vi (Harold), Mary Ann (Gus) and Linda. Through the years the family increased to include numerous nieces and nephews, along with their children and grandchildren who were near and dear to his heart. He was welcomed into heaven by both parents, brothers Ed, Rich and Ken, sister Linda, in-laws Harold, Gus and Colleen, niece Angela and nephew Todd. He spent his younger years living in Minnesota and moved to Puyallup, Washington in 1943. After graduating from Puyallup High School in 1947, Jim became what most would call a 'jack of all trades’. He proudly served four years in the United States Navy, and had various other jobs some of which included: welder, sawmill worker and a grounds-keeper for North Pacific Hospital. In 1970, Jim settled into a career as a fireman and EMT. When he was not on duty at the station he drove ambulance, worked in the ER at Good Samaritan Hospital and offered his time and talent to the Red Cross teaching first aide classes. After retiring as captain from the fire department, he became a licensed massage therapist and donated time providing massage therapy to aids patients. Jim was totally committed to his family and community. He was a lifelong member of St. John of the Woods church where he was known for providing flowers and mass cards to be handed out at special masses and organizing events like the Oktoberfest, Crab Feed and Spaghetti Dinners. Jim was also part of the South Hill Rotary Club where he remained active in events such as the Courage Classic. One of the things he was most proud of was being on a committee to mandate that mentally handicapped students be given a “Certificate of Completion” and be allowed participate in high school graduations. After the death of his father, Jim returned home to help his mother tend to the family farm and over the years became his mother’s primary caregiver. In addition to this, he cared for his sister, Linda, who had Down syndrome and various medical conditions. For many years, Jim made weekly trips to St. Joseph’s Hospital for Linda’s dialysis and some may question if his car had auto-pilot, while others would say he could have used auto-pilot. He cared for his mother and sister willingly and without complaint. For this, his family will be forever grateful. Maybe it was his big heart that made everything he did "big". If he said he was going to make a big pot of soup, he meant a "BIG" pot if soup. There was always room for one more at his table. Most often there was a puzzle to be worked or game on the big screen welcoming others to share life's moments with him. It didn't take long for the younger ones to catch on that he always had M&M's on hand and a big hug would do the trick. Throughout his life, Jim witnessed many political, social and technological changes. Something that never changed for Jim was the importance of God, family and friends. I think we can all say that our lives are much richer due to the love, friendship and generosity that Jim showed us. Please come celebrate his life with family at friends. Friday, October 14th • Prayer Vigil - 7 p.m. Saturday, October 15th • Funeral Mass - 11 a.m. • Life Celebration Party with dancing, food and beverages – Following the funeral Mass Location for all: St. John of the Woods Catholic Church (9903 24th Ave East, Tacoma, WA 98445) In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make donations to the L’Arch Tahoma Hope Welcome Center, http://www.larchetahomahope.org/index.html