James Michael Rakes

James Michael Rakes obituary, Galax, VA

James Michael Rakes

James Rakes Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by High Country Services Funeral & Cremations on Feb. 1, 2024.

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Mr. James Michael Rakes, 53 of Stuarts Draft, VA passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA. He was born on October 21, 1970 in Galax, VA. He was preceded in death by his father, Connie Lee Rakes and his brother, Christopher Barnes.
He is survived by his mother, Brenda Rakes of Galax, VA; son, James Rakes of Galax, VA; daughters, Sydney Rakes and Taylor Rakes of Mt. Airy, NC; grandchildren, Leslie Tomlin, Aaliyah Pilson, Emma Pilson and Monchey Pilson.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, February 5, 2024 at High Country Services beginning at 6pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 5pm until 6pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to assist with expenses by using the Tribute Fund tab on his obituary page.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of James Michael Rakes, please visit the
Tribute Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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