Chesapeake ~ James Albert Raper Jr.  aka.  Jim and or Julio, beloved friend, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle quietly left this plain of existence to continue his spiritual journey July 07, 2021.

Jim is survived by his two sons, Lonnie James Raper and wife Melinda of Trinity, North Carolina and Jody Albert Raper and wife Rebecca of Chesapeake, one sister, Mrs. Virginia Louisa Hurst and husband Lynn Hurst of Chesapeake , Virginia. He leaves seven grandchildren, Aurora Allen, Dakota Raper, Willow Raper, Jonah Raper, Titus Raper, Lani Raper and Luke Raper to cherish his memory and four special nephews and nieces, Lynn Hurst Jr. of Camden County North Carolina, Jeff Fourtenberry of Chesapeake, Robert Wayne Reynolds of Chesapeake and Alisha Raper King of Ware Neck Virginia.

Jim was predeceased by his sister Lois Raper Reynolds, his brother Walter Bruce Raper and parents James Albert Raper Sr. and Nina Bruce Raper, and by his beloved Aunt and Uncle that helped raise him, Francis Carlyle Bruce and Betty Louise Bruce.

Jim was born in the City of Norfolk, Virginia in December, 1953. He was raised in the Indian River section of the Washington borough of old Norfolk Country, which would later become the City of Chesapeake.

He was fortunate to have had the affection of his uncles, aunts and cousins during his childhood to help him become the man he was. In particular he emulated his Uncles Johnny Williams (John William Williams) and Pete Bruce (Stanford Cooper Bruce) and tried to develop every one of their bad habits. He actually succeeded with some of them.

Jim attended the Indian River School system and graduated from Indian River High School in 1972.  In 1975 Jim was selected as an apprentice in the prestigious Norfolk Shipbuilding and Dry Dock apprenticeship program and graduated in the class of 1978.

Jim continued his employment at Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock from 1975 until his departure in 1999.  In his twenty four and a half years as an employee, he held numerous positions and his “on the job” training was invaluable to his education and by the time his relationship with the old Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock had run its course, he felt qualified to manage all phases of his chosen profession in ship repair .

In 1999, Jim was hired by Rick and Sharon Williams to assist with the operation of their growing company, Pure Water Technologies, and to join them in their extended family. His renewed association there with Steve Pitt from his Norshipco days was like throwing gasoline on a fire.  Jim’s growth professionally and personally during this phase of his life was phenomenal and found him to be at his happiest.

Jim enjoyed his work in the ship repair profession and relished the constant challenges unique to the industry. His outgoing and gregarious personality allowed him to make friends easily and his outstanding communication skills afforded him access to people from all walks of life.

Jim was interested in everything but had a special passion for history. He considered himself an amateur local historian and for those that knew him, he would constantly point out local landmarks and share historical anecdotes about the area. He was a card carrying member of the Virginia Historical Society and spent countless hours exploring the numerous battlefields in Virginia.

Jim was an avid motorcycle and ATV rider. He and his sons and grandchildren enjoyed the days spent riding on the family property in southern Chesapeake. He was a charismatic character with the insight and compassion of an old south aristocrat.  Jim always had a story for anyone that would listen and sometimes for those who would not. His sharp sense of humor and warm gentle ways of conducting himself shall be greatly missed.

He was raised as a Southern Baptist, but became an independent Baptist with Methodist inclinations and Episcopal and Presbyterian overtures. He was open minded about his religious convictions, but suffered his entire life with situational ethics. He was also a lifelong Washington Redskins fan and could be found on most Sundays wearing something burgundy and gold. Jim believed in God, Jesus, and the Bible. He loved cold beer and had a weakness for tequila and as long as he drew breath a part of the old South was alive.

Deo Vindice

A celebration of his life shall be conducted at The Fraternal Order of Eagles July 31^st from 5PM until 9 PM.