James L. Rabdau

My Life Story Jim Rabdau died Thursday, August 1st, 2013 at home of pancreatic cancer. He was born in Spokane, WA to Jim and Millie Rabdau and raised in Genesee. ID. He attended Gonzaga University in Spokane until enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1954. He served his country for 24 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Jim served in the Rangers, Airborne and Special Forces in many capacities and theatres, including three tours in Viet Nam. He retired from the military in 1978, returning to Idaho. He was employed by Ore-Ida Foods for 15 years, during which time he created and directed the Women’s Challenge Cycling Race from 1984 until 2003. He spent his final retirement years traveling the world with his beloved wife, tending his garden, and sating his intense curiosity by reading. Jim was a master organizer, advice giver and twisted story teller. He believed deeply in family and in doing the right thing. Although he could be an intimidating figure, he laughed easily and often. He was loved, respected and will be missed. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margery, and five children: Mark of Middleton. ID; Julie (Scott) Isaacs of Scottsdale, AZ; Jaime (George) Schoeler of Falls Church, VA; James (Tracy) of Salt Lake City, UT, and J. Michael of Boise. His sisters are Marianne Bakker of Couer d ‘Alene, ID and Yvonne Alexander of Minneapolis, MN. Grandchildren are Lindsay Suarez, Robert Schoeler, Jessika Schoeler. Hailey Bradley, Eden Culverwell, Sean Rabdau, Evan Rabdau, Lariann Rabdau, Jessie Stockton, J’lynn Forler. Great grand children are Sitka and Jaxon Rabdau and Steven Schoeler. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Mike, and sister Nancy Welch. A Rosary Vigil will be held on Sunday, August 11th at 7:30 pm at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 6300 Meridian Rd. The Funeral Mass will be Monday, August 12th at 11:00 am at Holy Apostles with Father Len MacMillan officiating, followed by Military Honors. Burial will be at the Idaho Veteran’s cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s name could be directed to the Boise Rescue Mission, PO Box 1494, Boise, ID 83701: The Huntsman Cancer Foundation, 500 Huntsman Way, SLC. UT 84108, or your favorite charity. Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian.