NEWPORT – James Scott Raat, 60, returned to his heavenly father Sat-urday, Oct. 27, 2007, at his residence, after years of battling stroke, heart disease and diabetes related illnesses. He was born Nov. 2, 1946, in Odgen, Utah, a son of James E. and Bette E. (Eldredge) Raat. He was raised in California. James was briefly married to Cathrine Pincock. He then married Linda Hart, and they were later divorced. On Sept. 4, 1982, he married the love of his life, the former Sallie K. Johnson. James served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and received various medals and ribbons, including four bronze stars. He retired from Hill Air Force Base in 1993. James and his family moved to Maine four years ago. He was a member of the Newport branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, LDS, church. James had a lifetime love of the ocean, enjoyed traveling, especially to Yellowstone National Park, genealogy and working on his coin collection with his granddaughter, Ellie Lou. He is survived by his loving wife, Sallie of Newport; children, Heidi E. Thompson of Newport, Heather L. Raat of Roy, Utah, and John P. and wife, Crystal Raat, of Kansas; 16 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; a sister, Shawna L. Collins of Roy, Utah; numerous nieces, nephews; and close family friend, Edward Thornblad. He was predeceased by his parents; son, James Chesley; daughter, Elizbeth-Jane; and one grandson. Due to allergies, the family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Libby Hill Road, Newport, with President Alan Strout officiating. Visitation and funeral services will be held at a later date at Myers Mortuary, Ogden, Utah. Burial will be at Washington Heights Memorial Park, Ogden, Utah. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport. Those who wish may sign an online register at www.CrosbyNeal.com
JAMES S. RAAT
