Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Rakestraw
James Rakestraw
Obituary
Guest Book
James Rakestraw Obituary
November 24, 1940 to December 28, 2024
James (Jim) Wilburn Rakestraw Jr. died a natural death on December 28, 2024 at age 84. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Essie Mae Rakestraw, and his brother, Larry Rakestraw. He is survived by his two sisters, Jacquelyn Ann Garrett and Robin Rakestraw Brown.
Jim graduated from West Fulton High School in 1958 where he was awarded all-state high school athletic honors for basketball, football and baseball. He attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina on a basketball scholarship and US Army ROTC scholarship, and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, he served in the army for four years which included time served in South Korea. He also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jim served as mathematics teacher at Druid Hills High School while being the head coach of the varsity football team. He also coached junior varsity basketball and tennis. After Druid Hills Jim launched a successful career as a life insurance agent and later in life he helped launch a physical therapy business where he served as practice manager for many years.
Jim was a lifelong sports enthusiast and after college he played competitive basketball, softball and ALTA tennis. He volunteered countless hours coaching youth football, baseball and basketball teams throughout the 70s and 80s. He was a member at Stone Mountain Golf Club where he ran his own golf game every Saturday for many years, with close to 100 golfers on his weekly email distribution list.
Jim is also survived by his four children, Bryan Robert Rakestraw, Paige Allison Cross, Brooke Lauren Bianco and Lauren Patricia Rakestraw, his grandchildren, Leo, Luke and Lincoln Bianco, Reid Cross, Edward Olsen, Matthew Minard and Raena Chandler, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life service followed by a reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, February 1 at 3pm at Ansley Golf Club, 196 Montgomery Ferry Drive, Atlanta, GA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brooke Bianco
June 3, 2025
Bruce Larsen
May 12, 2025
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.
Kin Kinlaw
January 29, 2025
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!!
Philip Saltamacchio Salty
January 29, 2025
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.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Ken Parker
January 28, 2025
Thanks for your support and knowledge! You were a great coach and patient!
Kenneth A. Parker, MD
Providence of Northlake
January 28, 2025
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
Debbie Ryan Bryant
January 28, 2025
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.
Cary Ulman
January 27, 2025
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.
Richard FEARS
January 27, 2025
Thank you, coach You will go down in history You are truly one of the best coach at Druid hills high school 9-1
Alfred Re-Bo Key, Jr.
January 27, 2025
He coached me at Druid Hill High School for three years and he and coach Manwaring made me become a respectable man!
Sam Roberts
January 27, 2025
Dang Son! Thank you, Coach!!!
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in James Rakestraw's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Rakestraw's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
