James Delbert Rahe

James Delbert Rahe passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's vascular dementia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert Clyde and Billie Ashbrook Rahe of Oklahoma City. Jim grew up in the small towns of Berryhill and Crescent, Oklahoma, where he learned the humility, work ethic, and love of community that shaped his life.

Born in Walters, Oklahoma, Jim demonstrated dedication from a young age, proudly maintaining a perfect Sunday School attendance record throughout his youth. He graduated from Hominy High School before earning a degree in Chemistry from Oklahoma State University in 1963, where he was a proud member of Phi Kappa Tau.

During his time at OSU, Jim famously turned the campus fountain orange-an accomplishment only a chemistry major could execute with such precision. He went on to complete an MBA in 1966 while working tough jobs, such as harvesting wheat and painting water towers, to support himself through school. During his studies, Jim was drafted into the Army and served as a Captain and Chemical Service Unit Commander in the Test and Evaluation Command from 1966 to 1968. In this role, he oversaw the safe testing and transport of hazardous chemical agents. His leadership earned him the National Defense Service Medal.

After his honorable discharge, Jim built a successful career in petrochemicals with Monsanto, Cain Chemical, and OxyChem. Later in life, he transitioned to academia, running the Career Planning Center at Rice University's Jones School of Business and serving as Director of Executive Programs for Tulane University's MBA program in Houston.

Jim's life extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. His quiet charm, effortless likability, and dry sense of humor made him a favorite in any room. He had a deep passion for flying and became actively involved with AirLifeLine, now Angel Flight, where he and Lin flew across six states, offering free medical air transport for patients in need. Jim's love of flying, combined with his desire to help others, made each flight a meaningful contribution to someone's life.

Family was Jim's guiding star, and his love story with Lin began with a little help from Lin's mom, Jo McGuire, who played matchmaker. Their first date-dinner at home with the kids-marked the beginning of a beautiful journey, one filled with love, adventure, and a lifetime of shared joy.

Jim's devotion to his family was rock-solid from the start. He never missed a moment-big or small. At his children's swim meets, he was their loudest cheerleader, rewarding every effort with post-race chocolate milkshakes. Bedtime stories? Those were a nightly masterpiece, with Jim giving each character a voice-Tinkerbell's tiniest squeak always stole the show. His face lit up, fully immersed in the fun, as his children gathered around, soaking in the magic. That was Jim-showing up, day in and day out, bringing joy into the ordinary. When David's seventh-grade science project needed a little boost, Jim "borrowed" some chemistry equipment from work-just enough to secure a spot at the Astrodome science fair. In classic dad style, he could be counted on for a last-minute, late-night dash to the toy store on December 24th, making sure every stocking was filled to the brim.

Jim embraced life with a sense of adventure, carving up the slopes with his ski crew in Crested Butte, and just as happily swapping snow for sand in Maui, where he soaked up the sun and befriended everyone he met. He was always game-whether it was bird hunting at dawn, taking long evening walks with his Springer Spaniels, or diving headfirst into a spirited game of Marco Polo. Jim didn't just participate; he made everything memorable. Teaching his granddaughters to ride bikes? Check. Leading pillow fights that left everyone in stitches? Absolutely. Wherever Jim went, his warmth and presence drew people in, effortlessly creating connection and making even ordinary moments feel meaningful.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Lin McGuire Rahe; his children, David F. Rahe of Panama City, Florida, Lisa Rahe Hough of Houston, Texas, and Kelly Rahe Silvers of Houston, Texas; son-in-law Nicholas Anthony Silvers of Houston, Texas; former son-in-law Jonathan Burroughs Hough of Houston, Texas; and two granddaughters, Ella Rahe Hough and Isabel Olivia Silvers. He is also survived by his sister, Kay Dian Rahe of Denton, Texas, and her children, along with many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at St. Luke's Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, with Rev. Ryan Trushenski officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James D. and Lin C. Rahe Endowed MBA Scholarship Fund at Oklahoma State University or Angel Flight South Central, PO Box 2207 Addison, TX 75001.

The family expresses their deep gratitude to his caregivers, as well as the compassionate hospice team at the Veterans Hospital of Houston. Special thanks go to Twinkle Denson, Kathy Bellard, Charles Ishmel, and Jair Lopez for their devoted care and support.

Jim Rahe lived a life rich with humor, kindness, and love. His legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched, and his stories will bring smiles for years to come.