James Edward Rader, of Chesterfield, Virginia, was born on April 2, 1936 in Hamilton, Ohio, the son of Benjamin “Hawk” and Anna Mae (Williams) Rader. Jim graduated high school from Ross in Butler County, Ohio and served as the class valedictorian. After high school, Jim worked full time and earned a B.S. from University of Cincinnati. Although Jim worked for large corporations like Champion Paper Company and Stone Container until he retired, he was also an entrepreneur starting two different businesses during his life time. Jim loved the water, camping, hunting and traveling. He took his wife and family on many trips across the country where he shared his enthusiasm for learning about the area’s local history. He also loved to read, especially about science and history. Jim always took time to help family and friends and gave back to his community: serving on the Powell United Methodist Church’s Board of Trustees in Powell, Tennessee; mentoring high school students in St. Cloud, Minnesota’s Junior Achievement program; and raising funds for the St. Cloud United Way.
On Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at the age of 81, Jim passed away at his residence. Those surviving who cherish Jim’s memory include his loving wife of over 56 years, Janet (Evans) Rader; his daughter, Rebecca (Rader) Mendoza, his son-in-law, Bonfilio Mendoza, and his grandchildren: Vicente Mendoza, Adrianna Mendoza, Emanuel Mendoza and Miguel Mendoza. James is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Cheryl Rader, Darrell Rader, Deborah Rader, Karen (Rader) Davis, Arnold Jr. Rader, Arlene Rader, Tom Rader, Shelleyne (McIntosh) Smith, Rodger McIntosh, Alan Stenger, Karen Stenger, Greg Stenger, Barbara Evans, and Charles Evans. He also leaves behind his loving sisters-in-law Claudine (Arthur) Rader, Ruth (Evans) Stenger, and Lillian (Stiller) Evans; and his brothers-in-law Eugene Evans, and James Stenger.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Arnold Rader and Robert Rader, his sister Clara (Rader) McIntosh, his sister-in-law Trilla (Clark) Rader, and his brother-in-law, Roy McIntosh.
Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, August 20th from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville. Reverend Jim Elliot will officiate the funeral service at the funeral home at 1 p.m. and burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.
The family is asking for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of James E. Rader, in lieu of flowers. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of James Rader.