James C Raymond

I met Jim at an antiques auction in Plainfield, NH. He later tried (in vain) to teach me and one of my sons to fly fish. We corresponded for years but eventually lost touch. I will always have fond memories of Jim.

I had the privilege of serving James as his State Farm agent in Carefree, AZ. James had already moved back to the east coast before I arrived in Carefree, so I never had the privilege to meet him in person. However, we had so many wonderful phone conversations and it was so evident he had a sharp mind and quick wit. I always thought to myself that I hoped I was just like him when I reached 90! He obviously lived his life well, and I know he will be sorely missed. I wish God´s blessings to his entire family.

Jim and my dad, Willis Neuwirth, met at Antique Gun Shows in the northern Ohio area. He soon became a good friend of my parents. He was of great comfort and support to me during my parents´ passing. After they passed away, he and I became even better friends. For many years, he would spend the night at my home in Amarillo during his drives from Arizona to Vermont.

I miss his charming wit, enthusiastic conversations, and his keen insight into other people. He will always have a special place in my heart. I wish you comfort during these days ahead.

With Love,
Ann Hicks

I'm so very saddened to learn of Jim's passing. Please accept my condolences. Jim and I grew our relationship 0ver countless years. He had an antique shop in Shelburne, VT and mine in Burlington. I bought several guns and clocks, watches, and a few decoys which I have and cherish and will remember him as I continue to treasure them. He also acquired a number of antiques from me and we enjoyed sharing our knowledge. We also shared a PASSION for bass fishing and we shared countless stories. We kept in touch via phone and e mail after he left VT and enjoyed sharing jokes and stories. Jim will live in my memories forever. Catch the big one Jim!! Love, to family and friends, MICHAEL

Jim and I met in 2006 over a shared love of antiques, an interest in real estate and my recipe for spaghetti sauce. Although he insisted that the house I thought about buying in Florida was a terrible deal in an awful location, he ended up living there winters off and on until he couldn´t manage any more. He made some good friends during his walks around Willow Lake. When I first saw his table settings I though his Lauffer flatware and Bennington Blue Agate dishes looked weird. After forgetting all about them, I later bought sets for myself that I use and treasure. He helped me back up into good taste, I guess. I´ll miss him.

We met Jim over 20 years ago in Arizona where Jim & my husband enjoyed the antique clocks & other various antiques. Jim loved nature so thank you for suggesting the option of having trees planted in his name. We loved his remembrances of working with Norman Rockwell & he showed us letters & drawings of that great artist. Jim loved the beauty in Arizona & we admired the homes he designed & built in the desert. The best memory we have of Jim is that he introduced us in 2003 & we have been married for 19 years. Thanks Jim and you are an inspiration to us of living life greatly & just the way you wanted to live. You had a long & full life & you are in Heaven, your best reward now.

It saddens me deeply to hear of Jim's passing. I was very fortunate to have at least a brief friendship with Jim. He was the first neighbor I met in Carefree, AZ after moving here from Michigan. At the time, I had a uniquely colored sports car, which caught his eye. For years after he moved, I would still get emails asking me about that car. We also shared an interest in fishing and complaining about local politics. Unfortunately he moved before we ever had the opportunity to fish together. I wish I had moved here sooner. My condolences to the friends and family.

Ilse Graf Raymond
I met Jim at Ohio State University in Derby Hall by the water fountain in 1956 where I was a graduate student teaching French. He was a very attractive and interesting young man with thick beautiful curly hair. Being an ex G.I. student he was three years older than I. We fell in love and married in 1958. Jim gave me three wonderful children: Joel, Jonathan and Vanessa, which we both treasured. Our marriage dissolved in 1979 but we remained friends through out our lives and he kept his thick beautiful curly hair to the very end of his life. May he rest in peace.

A true gentleman and a scholar, an honest and competent source of collectable percussion Colt firearms. I purchased several over the years when he sold from his shop in Shelburne, VT. I was always assured of correct provenance with every sale. Seldom have I known a person as likeable and knowledgeable as Jim Raymond, he was my friend and I will miss him. Jim Bowers, Hollywood, FL

I first met Jim at a writers' group in Cave Creek, Arizona. Jim was always an inspiration to me, his wisdom, sense of humor, and insightful perspective helped me grow as a person and a writer - more than he knew. One thing that made me laugh and that I'll always remember is when I saw a copy of one of his books that had already been printed, he'd scrawled notes and edits in the margins, and said, "yeah, I can't stop writing this book."

He was always a strong, independent and resourceful individual; these are qualifies I admired and aspired to. We moved away and kept in touch dispite the distance and the years - mostly Christmas cards and the ocassional email. He was always there if I had a question about writing or needed a word of encouragement.

I am sad to hear of his passing, but can see from the memories and condolences below how well loved he was. His legacy lives on as long as he's remembered. My heartfelt sympathy to the family and family.

Sylvia Dahlby

We first met Jim at his wonderful store full of lovely old clocks and antique guns in Shelburne, VT. Any time we look at one of our old clocks, which we bought from him, we think of Jim. We also lived in Shelburne, just around the corner from Jim. We became great friends and kept in touch when he moved to New Hampshire, and we moved to Florida (where Jim also had a place). Joel and Vanessa, please accept our condolences.
Tom and Susan Carlson

Jim and I and my wife Susan became close friends over the years He taught us about clocks and Colts and spent many hours celebrating our friendship. He was a great friend and will be missed. Please accept our condolences.

so sorry to here this news.jim was a good freind and great person.i owned a sporting good store, that he visited when he was back from his winter homes.a more honest man,he was.we had great talks,about my family and his.will miss the man dearly, with a heavy heart.wayne barrows

So sorry to hear of the liss of your Dad.
I visited Jim in both his Shelburne shops and connected by phone , often around Christmas, for 45 years.
Visiting Jim. was a treat, like seeing a grandparent on a sunday. I couldn't wait to see what treasures he brought back in the back of his gold Mercedes wagon,and the excitement he got from his finds.
I saw Jim more as a steward of his wares, who passed them on to his friends, rather than a seller to a client. He had a passion for all things fine, but far beyond that he truly cared for all the friendships developed with those who made the the trek in and out of his shops.
Rest well my friend.
I think of you often and will miss our chats.
Bill Swett

Jim made me smile quite a bit, because he smiled often. He was fun to be around, and had a generous spirit. While I haven't done much of it myself, I enjoyed vicariously his love of fishing.
Dawn Huston

Jim was our neighbor for a brief time. He was a lovely man and remembered fondly.
Tom and Terri Saling

So sad to hear... I have known Jim since we met in Carefree Az in 1987 those many years ago! Being a couple of oldish "bachelors" at the time, we shared many laughs numerous dinners and a wonderful friendship lasting all these years. Speaking at least annually by phone.... I realized today when receiving this sad email that a call had been long overdue.

Jim always buoyed my curiosity and was the epitome of a man wanting to create something, be somewhere interesting - catch a big one, love his favorite pet Malou the Schipperke who for the rest of his lifetime he missed so dearly after she had passed

`Skip to Malou my darlings´ you´ll finally meet up again

Roger Trunkett

Just received your email with the sad news. He had not responded to my emails for quite awhile. I was the Dental Hygienist working for Dr. Sellnau. I remember you "kids"! Your dad and I stayed in touch occasionally...always good to hear from him. Mrs. Sellnau let us borrow her copy of the book he wrote...so interesting! And yes we have one of his clocks!! Did not buy one of his guns. Thank you so much for informing me.
Thinking of you,
Beth Stroh

Jim was such a great man. I met him in the late 1990s and every year I looked forward to his winter returns to Arizona. He was so worldly and down to earth at the same time. Jim would never flaunt his knowledge but any subject that came up he usually was the most knowledgeable person in the room on the topic. Many hours spent taking about hi military service, watches, fishing, I always had much to learn. My family hosted Jim for a Christmas dinner many years ago and he never stopped thanking me. Just a warm caring soul who was easy to talk to but letter to listen to and learn from. He will be very missed.