James Rakovan

James "Jim" Lance Rakovan, 85, of Rossford, Ohio passed away on August 24, 2025.

Jim was born on November 22, 1939, to John and Wanda (Knurek) Rakovan. After graduating from Rossford High School in 1957, he went on to study mathematics at Bowling Green State University.

Athletics were an important part of his early years. Jim played third base for the first Rossford High School athletic team to make it to the State playoffs: the 1957 RHS baseball team. He would later play second base with Rossford Merchants slow pitch softball team that won the Metro Toledo Championship in 1968. The team would eventually be defeated and knocked out of tournament play by the 1967 World Champions.

After graduation, Jim briefly taught mathematics in Miamisburg, Ohio and completed a tour in the Army before becoming a quality control engineer, which would be his chosen career for decades. In fact, he completed requirements and passed the national test to become an American Society of Quality Control Certified Quality Engineer.

Although they were friends since childhood and attended school together, Jim realized the love of his life and began dating Barbara Folcik after reconnecting at an RHS basketball game in the early 1960's. The two were married in 1966 and had two children, Lori in 1969 and Lance in 1970. They remained life-long companions; working together to conquer life's ups and downs and celebrating nearly 59 years of marriage, a true rarity.

Anyone who knew Jim knew that he always put family and community first. He was determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. He was exceptionally proud of his children and grandchildren and supported them in their every endeavor. Jim was a constant presence at athletic competitions, choir concerts, and other events where he showed his never-wavering encouragement. He supported and volunteered at his church, All Saints Catholic Church, throughout his life, and even became a member of the Knights of Columbus in his later years. His family, church and community meant more to him than anything else in the world.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and his brother Robert (Sandra). He is survived by the love of his life Barbra (Folcik); daughter Lori (Michael) Synk; son Lance (Krista); grandchildren Jordan, Mason and Ryan; numerous nieces and nephews; and his lifelong best buddy, Ed Reiter (Linda).

Friends and family will be received on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 10:30 - 11:30 am at All Saints Catholic Church, 628 Lime City Road, Rossford, Ohio with a funeral mass at 11:30 am and luncheon to follow.

Memorial donations in Jim's name can be made to All Saints Catholic Church.