James Paul Raabe

James was surrounded by his family and peacefully called to be with our lord in the early morning hours on September 5, 2026. James Raabe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. James was born on December 5, 1959, and lived a life centered around his family, service to his country, hard work, and the many things he loved. James was raised as a Christian brought up in Lutheran Faith which has continued throughout his life. James proudly served his country for nearly 24 years in the United States Air Force. During his military career, he spent 11 months overseas and gained extensive knowledge and experience in aircraft safety and military systems. His work included offensive systems, avionics systems, inertial navigation systems, B-1 bomber-related systems, ground safety, and flight program management. At Tyndall Air Force Base James was the 325th Fighter Wing Occupational Safety Manager. After nearly 24 years of dedicated military service, James continued his career in civil service, working in safety at Arnold Air Force Base. He eventually retired in 2021. James was stationed on several military bases throughout the country and overseas, including: Arnold Air Force Base, Tyndall Air Force Base, Prince Sultan Air Base, Fort Meade, Minot Air Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base. Although James took great pride in his career and service, his greatest joy was his family. He dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and his puppies; Moxie Jo, Ripley and Sampson. His interests did not stop there. James enjoyed collecting and hunting for antiques, working on and restoring vintage automobiles, and tinkering with just about anything he could get his hands on. He was extremely intelligent and was always willing to share his knowledge and skills with others, especially his children and grandchildren. The lessons he taught and the memories he created will continue to live on through them. James was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Carl Raabe; his mother, Edna Ann Raabe; and his brother-in-law, Donald Douglas. He is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth Raabe of 20 years; his sisters Christine Douglas and Ruth Hirt (Husband Marvin) his daughter, Jennifer Klos, and his sons Michael Klos (Wife Valerie) and Zachary Fannon (Wife Sheleah) and his eight grandchildren, Shayne Raus (Bri), Austin Klos (Wife Kaylee), Justin Klos (Wife Taylor), Kaylee Fae Klos, Lillian Franz, Eli Kyle Fannon, Easton Fannon, and Gwen Franz (Chris). James is also survived by his brother-in-law, Edward King; his sister-in-law, Rebecca Gressman (Husband David); his niece, Mindy Jurus; and his nephews, Jesse Williams, Ronnie Cochran and Alec Board along with many other family members and friends who loved him dearly. James will be remembered for his intelligence, dedication, love for his family, willingness to teach others, and his ability to fix, restore, or tinker with nearly anything. His life of service and the knowledge, love, and memories he shared with his family leave behind a lasting legacy. James will be deeply missed, but the lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the love he gave will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever. A special thank you to the Pallbearers: Michael Klos, Zachary Fannon, Shayne Raus, Justin Klos, Edward King and Ronald Raabe (Honorable Pallbearer Austin Klos). Services will be held at Daves Culbertson Funeral Home located at 401 North Jackson Street in Tullahoma on Monday, September 7, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Monday from 9-10A.M. Burial will be held at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Tullahoma. Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertson.com Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Raabe.

James Paul Raabe

December 5, 1959 - September 5, 2026