James "Ray" Paquin

1924 - 2016

James ""Ray"" Paquin, age 91 of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away Saturday April 2, 2016. He was born October 14, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois. The son of Alvin and Mary (LaPan) Paquin.
Ray attended St. Mary's School through 8th grade and graduated from Sault High where he, as a sophomore, was Captain of the Varsity Basketball team. Upon graduation in 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the L.S.T. 447 during World War II and the U.S.S. Monterey until his discharge in 1951. He worked at Northwest Leather (Tannery) for a year and then at the U.S. Corps of Engineers until his retirement in 1992.
He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he married Theresa Couvier on April 22, 1995, who predeceased him on March 5, 2016. He was a Life Member of VFW Post #3676, Knights of Columbus #649, and the American Legion Post #3.
He is survived by his step-children Nancy (Pat) Zimmerman, Terry (Chuck) Vassar, Verla (Brian McMillan) Varino, Dewayne Varino, Dexter (Debbie) Varino, and Bertha (Marshall) Spaford.
He had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was ""Grampa Geezer"" to special great-grandson Andrew Beaudoin and his mom Wendy.
Thank you to his special friends at Tendercare for your kindness.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister Florence, and first wife Geneva.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday April 9, 2016 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Michael Chenier as Celebrant and Deacon Bill Piche assisting. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church or St. Mary's School.
Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.