James Michael Rausch, Sr. "POP"

September 23, 1946 - October 31, 2018

James Rausch, a longtime resident of Franklin Township passed away on October 31, 2018 at the age of 72. He died peacefully at his home with his family after a long battle with liver disease. He was the beloved husband of Mary (nee Penza) for 51 years, devoted father of Carla Rausch, Michelle Julian (Chad) and James Rausch, Jr. (Brooke), proud grandfather of Tony Messina (Mel) and great grandfather of Harper Lee, sister of Janet Janasie, Linda Teti and Carol Rausch and son of the late Michael and Elizabeth Rausch. He is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and many friends. Jim grew up in Blackwood and was raised in the Catholic religion. He was a 1964 St. Joe’s of Camden graduate where he played football and was the Captain of the football team. Thereafter he was drafted and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. during the Vietnam War. Jim worked as a welder and served his apprenticeship in the trade at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. He then worked as a “top notch” welder in Local 322 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union until he retired. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, making homemade wine and brandy, picking mushrooms, cooking and reading about the stock market in his spare time. He loved nature, dancing, listening to the oldies and especially loved entertaining his family and friends at his kitchen table. He was always a great host. He was a member of the Waterford Gun & Bow Club and Lake Ann Gun Club. He will be remembered as a fun but tough spirited man with a big heart that only those that were close to him were lucky enough to see. As per his wishes, there will be no viewing or services. He will be cremated and privately laid to rest at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, contributions in his memory can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness-NAMI at www.nami.org.