In Memory (lots of photographs in other posts)

James Howard Razor

August 7, 1929 – October 11, 2010

Jim Razor, 81 years old, a resident of Carson City, Nevada for the last 12 years died at his home on October 11.

Jim was born in Whittier California on August 7, 1929 to William and Francis Razor. A loving brother, father, uncle, and grandfather who dedicated his life to his family; a true member of "The Last Great Generation" Jim instilled character and values to his family quietly and always by example. Jim was the solid foundation for his family both as husband, father even as uncle to his nieces and nephews. He and Betty have anchored a large family network that stretches over the western states.

Jim served in the US Army Signal Corp, as part of the Alaska Communication System (ACS) for 10 years, stationed throughout the Alaska territory. The Alaskan wilderness is where he began his life long love for the outdoors and the backcountry. While on military leave home in Los Angeles he met and married Beatrice ‘Betty’ Ramirez,

After ACS was privatized, he left the military taking his family to Southern California where he took a position with Pacific Telephone (AT&T) and settled in the San Gabriel Valley. Jim being a strong advocate of the power of education attained his goal of an MBA from Claremont Graduate College in Claremont, CA. He passed on his belief in the essential nature of a college education to his children and assisted them in achieving their goals. 

He retired from the Pacific Telesis (AT & T) as circuit supervisor and was justifiably proud of his leadership and involvement in providing smooth communications during the 1984 LA Olympics and the Pope’s visit to LA. After moving to Carson City, he joined the local chapter of the AT&T Pioneers (Telephone Pioneers of America) assisting with the community services in the city.

While working full time to support the family he served as both Scoutmaster and District Commissioner in the San Gabriel Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). In recognition for his efforts as a volunteer, Jim received two of the highest honors given by BSA: the Order of the Arrow and the Silver Beaver. He also received the Byron Thomson Community Service award from the City of El Monte (El Monte, CA). All three of his boys were scouts and leaders in their local troops, assisting Jim in leading many scouts into the high country, and passing on the skills learned. Many a scout will tell tales of Jim and his “Camper that went anywhere”.

He is survived by Betty , wife of 57 years, daughters Debra Goates (Chino, CA), Susan Scharer (Zephyr Cove, NV), and Son’s James Steven (Alta Loma, CA), Jorge William (La Habra), Edward Thomas (Pasadena.); Granddaughters: Kimberly Cataldo, Kathleen Hann, Natalie Haines, Emily Scharer and Great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Nicolas, Cerenity, Gage and soon to be born William.  He was oldest and lone survivor of his of three siblings, Charles, Caroline, and Richard and his parents.

Please join the family in a Celebration of Life:

Saturday December 11th from 11:00 AM till 2:00 PM

Episcopal Church of the Ascension

25 East Laurel Avenue

Sierra Madre, CA 91024

Please bring your stories and pictures to share

Please RSVP:

betty.b.razor@gmail.com