James W. Rayburn

James W. Rayburn, affectionately known as "JW" was born on February 4, 1941, in Rochester, NY, and passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, integrity, and resilience.

An alumnus of Kendall School, James graduated after having attended since the first grade. He also proudly served his country in the Marine Corps, where he developed his skills in telecommunications.

James dedicated many years of his career to the telecommunications industry at Kodak. After his tenure at Kodak, he found fulfillment in driving for Medical Motors, a role that allowed him to continue serving the community.

He thoroughly enjoyed tinkering and took great pleasure in embarking on long drives, always on the lookout for a good deal. His adventures with family and friends, particularly during summer trips to the Adirondacks and memorable times spent at camp, created an abundance of cherished memories. James was a devoted fan of his grandchildren, attending their sporting events and concerts.

He had a compassionate spirit, always rooting for the underdogs and helping those less fortunate. A gifted storyteller, James captivated his family and friends with tales that reflected his personality and deep understanding of life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine; his daughters, Jennifer (Todd) Berna and Veronica (Shane) McAuliffe; his son, Dennis (Jeanna) Rayburn; and his treasured grandchildren, Zachary, Patrick, Jillian, Andrew, Kate, Brody, and Dylan. James also leaves behind a brother, Robert (Dawn) Hetzke, a sister, Mary Ann (Norm) Knapp, many nieces and nephews, and three step-grandchildren who will remember him fondly.

James W. Rayburn's proudest accomplishments were raising his family and providing for his children and grandchildren. His strong bond with his loved ones and his unwavering dedication to their well-being will always be remembered. He is preceded in death by his parents, Doris (Wilmer) Hetzke and William Rayburn, as well as several aunts and uncles.

James's life was a celebration of family, generosity, and kindness, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Per his wishes, there will be no calling hours, but a private memorial service for James will be held at a later date.

For anyone interested in making a memorial donation, James was a supporter of the Middlesex Valley Volunteer Ambulance service.