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BORN
1937
DIED
2011
James Rathbun Obituary
Watkins
April 23, 1937-June 29, 2011
James W. Rathbun "Big Jim" of Watkins, Minnesota, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 29, 2011 at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.
Jim was born on April 23, 1937 in Spring Valley, Minnesota to Morrie and Nola (Warren) Rathbun. He married Marjorie DeZiel on January 18, 1958 in Spring Valley, Minnesota. Together James and Marjorie had four children, daughters; Sherry (Paul) Vergin, Cindy (Gary) Corbett and sons; Barry (Lisa) Rathbun, Todd (Fiance'e' Becky) Rathbun. Jim is also survived by his sisters; Joanne Goldammer (Goldie), Bonnie Grabau (Boyd), and his brother Steve Rathbun
Jim was blessed with four grandchildren; Ashley Cain (Bob), Whitney Rathbun, Brady Rathbun, and Jordy Rathbun and one great-grandchild Grant Cain.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Marlin and Keith, and his sister Donna.
Jim worked for Amoco as a proud union truck driver during his working years. After retiring, Jim and Marge moved to Watkins, Minnesota where they resided many years. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed golf, traveling to Arizona and playing card games like Cribbage and Euchre. Jim was a member of the Legion, Lions, 40&8 club, Moose Lodge and Eagles Club. Jim enjoyed being out and about socializing with people. Funeral Mass for James W. Rathbun will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 20000 County Road 10 in Corcoran, Minnesota at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 6, 2011. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday July 5, at the Peterson Chapel in St. Michael/Albertville and again for one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Rockford, Minnesota.
The Peterson Chapel
Buffalo 763.682.1363
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Memories and Condolences
for James Rathbun
Todd Junker
July 14, 2011
I also had the honor of working with Jim at Amoco for about 5 years. I got to know him quite well as he worked with my wife's grandfather,(Tom Foley), in Jim's early years. In the last 6 years that I would come back from Florida, where I still work for BP in Jacksonville, Jim would join us guys for lunch when he was in town. A true friend! My sympathy to all the Rathbun family, Todd Junker
July 5, 2011
Marge and Family - We were neighbors of you and Jim in Rockford and remember what a nice, nice person Jim was. Our prayers go out to you all in this difficult time. Ernie and Sharon Heifort
Charlotte Saclolo
July 3, 2011
I had the priveledge of being "one of the kids" Jim and Margie welcomed into thier home, as a friend to thier kids. It was a home filled with love and laughter and not just a little bit of good natured kidding. My sincerest condolences to the whole family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much Love, Char Robeck Saclolo
Tom and LaDonna Loch
July 3, 2011
LaDonna and I had the privilege of having Jim and Marge as back yard neighbors in Watkins.We shared many stories and laugh's when we were mowing lawns and attending social events. Never a dull moment when Jim was around. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Marge and your family.
Ben Dockendorf
July 3, 2011
I worked with Big Jim at Amoco Oil Co. and have always remained frieds. He is a hell of a guy and I will always remember him. I am sure glad I made the trip to visit him and Margie in Lauphlin last year.
Mary Sularz-Peppler
July 3, 2011
To the Rathbun family,
So very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was a wonderful friend to all of the Sularz family. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Love, Mary Sularz Peppler
Cindy Corbett
July 3, 2011
For anyone reading this. I want you to know that the obituary was wrong in the paper as far as his visitaion. His visitation is on Tuesday at The Peterson Chapel in St. Micheal. A correction will be in Mondays paper. Spread the word please.
Cindy Corbett
July 3, 2011
Hi Dad,
Boy you sure threw us off on Wednesday, Barry was going to start smoking. HEHE. I have to add a little humor because you had great wit and humor.
I want you to know you were a GREAT\FUN Dad!!! I know you had alot more life in you and had a hard time with this, it was tough to watch you go through this. I guess God had another plan.
I LOVE YOU AND I AM GOING TO MISS YOU!!
Love,
Sid
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