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James Rettman Obituary
Roanoke, VA
James B. Rettman, 75, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, March 30, 2014 and is now healed from his long battle with cancer. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 50 years, Sally Rettman; his son, Brian and wife, Teri Rettman and his brother, Walter Rettman and wife, Phil. Also, a special sister-in-law, Kathy and husband, Willard Bennett, Jr., sister-in-law, Patricia Rettman, brothers-in-law, Bill and Ken Reader and many special nieces, nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Robin Suzanne Rettman and brother, John David Rettman.
He served in the U.S. Navy, graduated from Western Michigan University and was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, where he loved to sing in the choir. He was employed as an Electrical Engineer with Clark Equipment Co. and General Electric. He had a passion for collecting antique cars and was an active member of the Antique Automobile Club of America and served on the board and as a judge of the Roanoke A.A.C.A. He enjoyed traveling, gardening and building homes for his family.
The funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 4608 Brambleton Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA 24018. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1p.m. and service will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or Amedisys Hospice at 5221 Valley Park Dr. Suite 2, Roanoke, VA 24019.
Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service, Roanoke, VA 540-989-3131.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Rettman
Lisa Lambert
April 4, 2014
As a colleague of my Dad's (Joe Lambert)over the years I had the opportunity to meet Jim on several occasions. He was kind and engaging and when the group moved to Mebane in '86 he was a familiar face in the grocery I worked at. I was glad. I'm sorry he has lost his battle with cancer. He certainly will be missed.
joe lambert
April 3, 2014
Very sorry for your loss, Jim was always a very positive and happy person
Joe , Stella Lambert
April 3, 2014
My thoughts & prayers Aunt Sally, Brian & Teri & Family, Uncle jim will always be in our hearts, cherish the memories Love, Nancy & Families
Peggie Lamson
April 3, 2014
love and prayers to Sally and Brian and family.
Becky Powers
April 2, 2014
May God grant you peace in the days ahead. Keeping you in our thoughts.
April 2, 2014
So sorry to hear about Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jim's family. Lori Ward (Marilyn's daughter).
Tom Cobb
April 2, 2014
Sorry for your loss Sally.What a great guy.
Tim & Cheryl Smith
April 1, 2014
Our sympathies and prayers are with the Rettman family.
Dale Tatum Rick Glisson
April 1, 2014
Our sympathies are with Brian and his entire family after the passing of his father. We hope the memory of the long battle his father waged against cancer will soon fade from the family, and the memories of a lifetime with a great father will remain forever. Our thoughts will be with you.
Rodger & Pat Gray
April 1, 2014
We were so sad to hear about Jim. What a wonderful guy he was. We remember his great sense of humor. Our thoughts are with Sally and the family.
Rob Watkinson
April 1, 2014
As a friend and colleague of Brian's, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the entire Rettman family on the passing of its patriarch. As someone who has also lost a close relative to cancer, I know that even in Mr. Rettman's diminished state he must have been comforted in the knowledge that his family was by his side throughout this ordeal and at the end. What a blessing it must have been for him to know that he had a family as caring as yours to help guide him through this difficult time of his life. Now, we all believe, he has been carried away to reside peacefully forever in the home God has reserved for him; truly, the best of rooms. My best wishes to you all.
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