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James Raines Obituary
JAMES "JIM" DAVID RAINES
February 18, 1934 ~ March 10, 2018
"Being important isn't important ~
Being, is important."
James "Jim" David Raines passed away on March 10, 2018. He was born to Fred and Inez (Scarbrough) Raines (deceased) on Feb. 18, 1934. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Wilma (Walker) Raines; his son-in-law, Rod Shogren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He had one daughter, Jami Ellen and two sisters, Beryline Burnett and Alice Shriner, all deceased.
Jim moved to Vancouver, WA in 1941. He graduated from Vancouver High School in 1952. He attended Clark College, Western Washington University, and Lewis and Clark College, receiving his BA, MA, and Doctoral studies. He also attended the University of Oregon Medical School (OSHU) for studies in speech therapy and hearing pathology to enable him to work as a speech and hearing therapist.
His employment included the Vancouver School District as a Speech and Hearing consultant, Executive Director of the VEA, and a Director for the State of Washington WEA.
During college years, Jim played baseball on scholarships. In later years, he played fast pitch softball for several teams, one being the State Champions. In later years, he coached Little League Baseball to boys in Bellevue, Washington, some from age 6 up to high school graduation. He currently was active in supporting athletics at Clark College.
His involvement in sports also included being President and assigning secretary for the Evergreen Basketball/Football Association, while he officiated both basketball and football games, receiving the award for Outstanding Football Officiating. He most recently was inducted into the Football Officials Hall of Fame.
Jim also had the opportunity to carry out his love of acting in plays in Summer Stock Theatre on the East Coast and some Off Broadway theatre in New York City.
Among his many accomplishments are being President of the VEA, President of the SW Washington Coordinating Council, being a trainer for Pepperdine College American Arbitration Association, a member of the D.E.A.F. Board at the School for the Deaf, President of the Clark College Alumni Association and President of the Penguin Athletic Club (PAC). He was inducted into the Clark College Hall of Fame and received the President's Award for Excellence from Clark College Foundation. He was proud to be asked to be the best man for 5 of his friends.
Jim enjoyed a good life, great friends and many pleasures of life.
His Celebration of Life will be held on Sun., March 25, 2018 at 2p.m. at the Warehouse 23 Event Center. He wanted this celebration to be a time of remembrance and joy.
Donations may be made in his name to the: Jami Ellen Raines Shogren Scholarship Fund at Clark College.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Raines
Don Freeman
May 10, 2025
One of the finest gentlmen I have met. His dedication to education, sports, and the values they teach, were evident, almost daily. Jim and Wilma, were great friends of Clark College. Jim and Wilma provided several means of assistance, as I was hired to bring back the baseball program at Clark, after a 20-year hiatis, from the Clark College Athletic program. More importantly, they both were great personal friends of myself and wife Roxy. Gems of the community, in so many ways. Thank you to the Raines family.
Carol Blohm
March 25, 2018
So sorry Aunt Wilma. Your love for each other was an inspiration to those who know you. I always enjoyed our times together. Pete loved his Uncle Jimmy, they are embracing in heaven.
My heart aches for you Aunt Wilma and the void you will feel. My prayers of comfort go out to you.
Don Freeman
March 25, 2018
Jim Raines, was a true gentleman and a very passionate advocate of the Vancouver Community. Clark College was high on his list of attention and assistance in so many areas on the campus. His love for people was his guiding light. His lovely wife, Wilma, has been a gem in assisting Jim during some very difficult battle with health issues. They are two of my favorite people and I will always have fond memories of both. Wilma will have so many people wanting to spend time with her, I hope she can fit my wife and I in. Jim and Wilma has impacted me in the short eight years I have known them. So many have been more fortunate than myself, having known them for so much longer. Rest in Peace Jim but for you that is impossible. You will continue to impact humanity no matter where you are.
Wayne E, "Bucky" Ritter
March 22, 2018
Jim and Wilma are very special--always being there sharing their love, support and generosity with my family. I will miss Jim talking "Sports Trivia" about the old Vancouver and Clark County players. Thanks, Jim, Wilma, Jami, and Rod for those great "Husky Days"!
How you can show support
Jim & Bennie Swatosh
March 18, 2018
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing and sorry we will miss his service.
Jack Holland
March 17, 2018
My condolence to Wilma, Jim's family and many friends. He was our Vancouver High School reunion leader for many years and will be missed. God Bless you.
Jack Main
March 16, 2018
sorry to hear of your passing. Our families came to Vancouver from Pomeroy in 1942. The last time was at Coyote Lakes golf course, AZ with Darrell Williams
Duane Burckhard
March 16, 2018
Jim was one of the most passionate individuals we have ever known. He was passionate with Wilma, his family, his friends, and his convictions. He was a very good man and outstanding friend. He will be missed and will always be in our hearts.
Our prayers are for his family.
Sandy & Duane Burckhard
Frank (Squeak) Speyer
March 15, 2018
Jim was the person responsible for getting me into 30 years of sports officiating. So sorry I won't be able to be there for his service.
Patricia O'Hern- Murphy
March 15, 2018
Sorry to hear about Jim, he was one of the good guys.
Bob Parsons
March 15, 2018
Blow your whistle loudly Jim. You will be missed.
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