James Rathmell

Bossier City - James Rathmell passed away on July, 11, 2021. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home with Reverend Joseph Gao presiding. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park.

James was born October 2, 1937 in Abilene, Texas to Verda Kinney and Charles Rathmell.

Preceding James in death are his parents; sisters, Mary and Betty; and brother Charlie.

Left to cherish his memory are, his daughter Julie Kaiser and her husband Jody; and grandchildren, Shane, Peyton, and Jody.

James led a fulfilling life. He served in the United States Air Force for 22 years and was married for 49 years to Betty Wells Rathmell. During that time they traveled extensively to a multitude of places including Spain, Turkey, and Washington D.C. After James retired from the Air Force he began to work for Jim Walter Homes. During that time he won Salesman of the Year and was rewarded a trip to the Bahamas with his wife. James was very involved in his church, Fellowship United Methodist Church, and even began the food pantry there. He was very active in his church and loved his church family. Above all else, James was a family man whose favorite thing in the world were his grandchildren. His grandchildren loved him above all else too and would spend their Friday nights at "Big Daddy's". While a family man at heart he also loved the Dallas Cowboys, a love he would instill in his grandchildren by taking them to Cowboys' games. James was loved by many people, family and friends alike, and will be greatly missed.

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Published by Shreveport Times from Jul. 11 to Jul. 12, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Rathmell

Sponsored by Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home & Park - Haughton Hill Crest Memorial Park.

5 Entries

Bruce Quigley

January 18, 2025

I was a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force and lived next door to Technical Sergeant Jim Rathmell in 1968 - 1969. Jim's wife, Betty, my wife, Beth, Jim, and I became neighbors and good friends during the 19 months we were there. After retiring from the AF and then from my civilian job with FedEx afterward, I moved back to the small city where we had lived in Spain and I think of Jim and Betty every time I pass our old house on a main access street into town. I have always wondered how he and Betty are and now this obituary, sent to me by my son in Florida, tells me about Jim, although it does not talk about Betty's situation. His house is still in good shape here in Alcalá de Guadaíra, Spain, and my fond memories of our times together as neighbors will go on.

Angela And charles Musgrave

July 14, 2021

Sorry for your loss he was a really good friend and neighbor he will be missed

Richard Welker

July 13, 2021

I have looking for Jim off and on for years. We were both in USAF and stationed at the Embassy in Ankara, Turkey in the late 70s. I was new in USAF and looked up to him and watched him work a very demanding job doing aircraft clearances and when JIM rotated I was selected to fill his shoes and they were big shoes to fill. I highly respected Jim he was an outstanding individual and I know he is missed by Betty and Julie and many others. RiP my freind.

Carroll R. Michaud

July 12, 2021

The Final Salute

"Brothers and Sisters-in-Arms", Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged "Hand Salutes" as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This "Hand Salute" is the last that we shall render to James Rathmell our "Brother-in-Arms". To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for James To James it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during the Vietnam War while serving in the U.S. Air Force. James, we commend you for your 22 years of honorable military service. You are a true patriot, who served your nation, your community and your church with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true friend. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. GOD Bless you. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, the VFW Comrades of Post 4588 and the Disabled Veterans of DAV Chapter 30 in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to James´ family and loved ones.

Brent Ebbesson, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Ron Delaney, Commander, VFW Post 4588
1004 Jeter Street, Bossier City, LA 71111

Johnny Welch, Commander DAV, Chpt 30
7012 Suntan St. Shreveport, LA 71108
For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud

Jan Czerniecki

July 11, 2021

Sending my prayers to Julie, Jody and kids! Your father was a wonderful man and I was very pleased to have known him. I will truly miss my "Mr. Jim" hugs I used to get every Sunday. Take care of yourselves and let me know if you need anything. Love you.

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