James Roy Rahaim

January 23, 1957 - September 2, 2020
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Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Catherine & Paul Mombourquette
Linda Pendleton dos Santos
Michelle Faucher Light a candle

Obituary

James Roy Rahaim was born on January 23rd, 1957 in Gardner, Massachusetts and passed away on September 2nd, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona. His parents were Hazel Mae (née MacDonald) and Robert Rahaim. He is survived by his wife, Ingrid and daughters Christina and Steff, as well as his sisters Connie, Sue and Judy and his brother Robert.

James served in the Air Force as Teletype Specialist, attaining the rank of Senior Airman from 1981-1983. For part of his service he was stationed in Germany, where he took advantage of his location to travel throughout Europe. He also spent time working at Rockwell International where he met Ingrid. Connected by their technical backgrounds and a strong desire to raise children, they married in 1985 and in the following years Christina and Steff were born.

During his daughters’ childhood, James successfully raised them and ran his own architectural design business while Ingrid worked outside the home. His status as stay-at-home father earned him a small amount of local fame, and the traditional role reversal fueled a lifelong fire in his children to challenge the status quo and focus on what is good and right rather than what is expected.

Eventually he was offered a position at FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a program that aims to inspire young people in the technical arts via annual high school robotics competitions. Ever the competent generalist, at FIRST James combined his background in mechanical and electrical engineering and his experience in computer hardware and software with a cause he believed in. His technical and people skills both earned him a reputation such that asking for him by full name at competitions was less effective than simply asking for James, or at most “James from FIRST”. James retired from FIRST when he and Ingrid moved from Amherst, New Hampshire, where they raised their family, to Tucson, Arizona, where the weather and the neighbours both agreed nicely with his disposition.

In his spare time James fished, deeply appreciated nature (despite his self-proclaimed title of “The Dr. Kevorkian of Plant Life”), and spent a lot of time cooking for and with his family, including establishing several culinary traditions and successfully tinkering with gluten-free baking. He set an example as a family man unafraid of ignoring outdated gender roles and a scholar and creator who could figure out anything he set his mind to. He will be missed.

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Timeline for James Roy Rahaim

Born: January 23, 1957
Died: September 2, 2020

Condolences for James Roy Rahaim

Marana Mortuary & Cemetery

Our sincere condolences.

The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.

 

Catherine & Paul Mombourquette posted on 10/25/20

Shortly after meeting Ingrid in Cozumel last year, she and James invited us over for happy hour. James made yummy appetizers, and he & Paul had a grand time chatting about robotics and other geeky technical stuff. We have fond memories of that wonderful evening.

 

Gregory and Kathleen Johnson posted on 9/22/20

We were very sorry to hear of James' passing. We remember James as a quiet, thoughtful man, who was devoted to you and your daughters. May your memories help you through these difficult times.

 

Andrea Robb posted on 9/18/20

Ingrid (and family) I am so sorry for your loss. James was a wonderful neighbor and I always enjoyed talking with him. We will definitely miss him here in the neighborhood.

 

Andrea Robb posted on 9/18/20

Ingrid (and family) I am so sorry for your loss. James was a wonderful neighbor and I always enjoyed talking with him. We will definitely miss him here in the neighborhood.

 

Linda Pendleton dos Santos posted on 9/18/20

My heart goes out to all of you...I have known Jimmy since we where both 7.. . Ingrid, Christina, and Steff.. The memories that tear at your heart during this time will in time ...bring you rainbow memories ...it happens when the tears from your eyes are mixed with the sunshine of his smile... will make rainbows in your heart forever...We are all Blessed to have Jimmy in our lives.... and just remember that the love of a spouse..the love of a father...th e love of a friend knows no time and distance With deepest sympathy... Linda Pendleton dos Santos

 

Michelle Faucher posted on 9/18/20

I’ll miss my personal techy very much! I’ll always have fond memories and you were the only one that could get away with calling me Froggy. ? I’ll always be there for Ingrid and the girls.

 

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