Obituary of James Raper

James "Jim" Raper, 77, of Beach Park, IL, passed away peacefully, Sunday morning, May 15, 2011, surrounded by his loving family and in the greatest care by the nurses and doctors at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center in North Chicago, IL. Jim was born December 8, 1933, in Mantachie, MS, the son of Arthur and Mittie Lou Raper. He served in the United States Army, 8th Infantry Division and was a founding member of the North Chicago National Guard. After separation from the Army, Jim moved to Zion, Il which became his permanent home. He began work at Clark Oil Company in Chicago, IL as a trainer for their gas station attendants. In 1958 he opened his own Clark Gas Station at 23rd and Sheridan Rd. in Zion, IL. He was very active in the Zion Police Department under Police Chiefs, Corder, DeTienne, Lee and Guthrie. Jim was an auxiliary police officer under Chief Lloyd DeTienne whom he counted as a good friend always. Jim also served on the Board of Directors for Crimestoppers. Later he relocated his gas station, Raper's Gas to 24th and Sheridan Road. Jim married Maibeth Bolen on June 1, 1968. He was a good Samaritan to many throughout his years in business for which he never wanted credit. Jim never refused a "fill-up" to anyone regardless of payment. He loved his country and gospel music and was an avid Chicago Bulls fan. He sponsored many little league teams; bowling and softball teams. He is survived by the "light of his life", his family. Surviving are his wife, Maibeth; children, Gary Bolen of Emeryville, CA, Jo (Ken) Martucci of Denver, CO, and Kim (Dennis) Scheck of Winthrop Harbor, IL; granddaughters, Stacy (Alex) Neir of Denver, CO, Lauren Bolen of Seattle, WA, Jamie Miller of Denver, CO, Emily Scheck of Winthrop Harbor, IL; grandson, Wyatt Scheck of Winthrop Harbor, IL; one great-granddaughter, Morgan Neir of Denver, CO; brother, Billie Joe Raper of Mantachie, MS; sisters, Carol Hood of Marietta, MS and Tennie Lou (Jerry) Clark of Zion, IL, and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his father and mother-in-law who loved him so much, Brainered and Ruth Yates; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law. Our gratitude to all the doctors, nurses and patient care technicians at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center for their kindness, compassion and special care in Jim's final days. They are all so special, he loved them all. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL, with a short chapel service after the visitation with Rodney Johnson and Rev. Dan Stanford, officiating. Interment is private for the family. Special music will be offered by Kathleen Krakowski, a loving friend of Kim Scheck. Memorial donations are suggested to the Camp Zion Ministry of Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion, IL 60099.