James Rather

James Rather, 64, of Lewis Center, OH, passed away on December 1, 2023 from Angiosarcoma of the liver. He was born on July 2, 1959, in Waupun Wisconsin to Robert and Margene M (Towne) Rather. In addition to his father, James was preceded in death by his step-father, Bert Guenther.

Jim graduated from Waupun High School in 1977. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 1981 and his MBA from the University of Dayton. Jim worked in IT sales the majority of his career, retiring in September of 2021. He loved golf, playing pool, driving his Miata, kayaking and his newest hobby of pickle ball. He was a lifelong Badger fan, but eventually learned to root for the Buckeyes, too. Jim was a devoted husband to his wife of 28 years, with whom he enjoyed traveling, biking and playing pickle ball. He shared a love of Harry Potter movies with his daughter, Isabelle, and was sad he wouldn’t get to complete the film concert series with her. He also enjoyed teaching his son, Derek to golf and taking him bowling. He had a special relationship with his dog, Cody, who misses his morning scratches.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife, Felicia (Pawluch) Rather; daughter, Isabelle; and son, Derek. He is also survived by his mother, Margene Guenther of Waupun, Wisconsin; and sister, Linda J Rather, of Ripon, Wisconsin; as well as numerous extended family and close family friends.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Cattaraugus Cemetery in Waupun.