Mr. James E. Rakes

James E. Rakes "Jim", 59, of Bel Air died on February 1, 2012 at his residence. He was formerly a resident of Laurel for 28 years. He was born on December 26, 1952 to Roy J. and Ann P. Rakes in Java, VA. He graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1971. He attended University of Maryland and received a bachelor's degree. He retired in 1993 from Prince George's County Fire Department as a Firefighter/Paramedic after 20 years of service. Jim worked for a private ambulance company from 1993 – 2008. He was a Life Member of the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad, taught CPR classes through the American Heart Association and loved to square dance. In addition to his parents, Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years Cheryl E. Rakes; children Tricia Fojtik and her husband Adam, Capt. Kristy Rakes of the U.S. Air Force, James D. Rakes, and Stephanie Schlauch and her husband Chuck; brother David Rakes and his wife Carol; grandchildren Erica and Abby Claytor and Meera Rakes. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or Village Baptist Church, 1950 Mitchellville Road, Bowie, MD 20716.