James (Jim) Wallace Rawles passed away of natural causes on Tuesday July 28, 2020 just shy of his 94th birthday. He was born in Boulder, CO., on Sept 21, 1926 to Wallace and Evelyn Rawles. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ilene Rawles (8/2019), his sister Patricia (6/2019) and son-n-law Ed Enloe (8/2019). He is survived by his 5 daughters: Susan Enloe, Connie Book, Beckie (Chuck) Harless, Debbie (Vern) Lousignont and Jennifer (Don) Baynard. 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren.
Jim grew up in Pasadena, Santa Monica and Belvedere California. He was drafted into the Navy in 1944 and discharged in 1946 when the war ended. During his time in the Navy he was stationed on the USS Barnes and became a “Aerographer’s Mate”. After the Navy he attended Los Angeles City College, College of Marin, University of CA at Berkeley and UCLA in his pursuit of becoming a Meteorologist. In 1951 James became employed by the US Federal Government as a Meteorologist, where his job assignments took him to various places like San Juan, Puerto Rico; Brownsville, Texas and the Canton Island in the South Pacific (his favorite duty station) and Winslow, AZ. It was while living in Winslow he met his future wife Ilene. They were married in 1958 in Las Vegas. Jim was transferred to Klamath Falls, Oregon in January 1962, where the family was greeted with 25 inches of snow! He became known as the Klamath Basin Weatherman; working at the airport briefing pilots about flying conditions, farmers for crop growing and did the local weather forecast on the radio.
He was a member of the Linkville Kiwanis Club and the Knife and Fork Club.
After 34 years of service, Jim retired in 1984. He and Ilene moved to Reno part-time so he could “play” the horse-races and Ilene could listen to all her favorite country western singers in person. They enjoyed traveling around the US visiting family and taking in all the major tourist attractions. Their favorite tourist spots were Nashville, TN; Branson, MO and Reno, NV.
When not traveling Jim volunteered with the local Veterans Affairs office coordinating rides for Veterans from Klamath Falls to the VA Medical facility in White City. He also volunteered at the local library helping in various areas and with their monthly book sales.
After he retired, he took up “walking” and he would take a daily 5-mile walk from their home to downtown Klamath Falls and back, regardless the weather! He would stop and talk or help people out along the way. He continued those walks until he was 90.
Jim was a quiet man with a unique sense of humor, a kind soul and helpful heart. He touched the life of so many family members, friends and even strangers throughout his life. He will be missed by all who knew him.
There will be a small private family memorial for both Jim and Ilene at a future date and time at the Veterans Cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon. In lieu of flowers the family ask you make a donation to Meals on Wheels, The Parkinson’s Foundation, your local Senior Center or Food Bank in his honor.