James Rakestraw

I am sorry for being late with this message. I had tried to contact Jim a several years ago, and failed in this on line effort. The reason for my search for Jim was picture my daughter found in belongings which spurred her to write a paper for her 11th grade civics class, one that drew lots of attention from her classmates. I never saw the final results of that report but am sitting looking at it now. I was a member of a basketball team, sort of a rag-tag bunch, who represented the Headquarters, 53d Artillery Batallion, US ARADCOM, Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Alabama. Yes, an Army unit on an Air Force Base. In 1965 as our base basketball season was ending and we were about to start competing in a series of ARADCOM tournaments, our General, and best fan, asked our player/coach what we needed to succeed in this tournament season. A point guard was our answer. Jim showed up for our last regular season game. He joined us for the tournament, which ended two events later, but we all remembered this team as the team that grew up overnight. Oh, what a team it was...not too deep in talent. But what a starting 5. RIP Jim.

So blessed by Coach and his motivation with all of us football players at Druid Hills...graced by his presence at our 50 year class reunion last September...God´s Blessings...we will miss you!!

Coach always was there for me and made me feel like part of the team. He will be missed by all. Thanks again for giving me a chance and believing in me. RIP.

Thanks for your support and knowledge! You were a great coach and patient!
Kenneth A. Parker, MD

On behalf of Providence of Northlake, we send our deepest and sincerest condolences to the Rakestraw family. From the moment Jim came to the property and flashed that smile, he was simply a joy to be around. He would make jokes whenever he stopped by the office and even made time to stop by our resident events. He was truly adored by all of the staff here, and he will be genuinely missed.

~With Love, Providence of Northlake Staff

He was one of my favorite teachers. If it was not for his confidence in me I Would not have passed algebra at Druid Hills. Sweet and wonderful man.

Coach Rakestraw was my football coach at Druid Hills High. He was one of the best coaches I ever had. May his memory be a blessing.

Thank you, coach You will go down in history You are truly one of the best coach at Druid hills high school 9-1

He coached me at Druid Hill High School for three years and he and coach Manwaring made me become a respectable man!

Dang Son! Thank you, Coach!!!