James L. Raven

James Lee Raven “JR” passed away surrounded by his loved ones on June 22, 2025, at his home in Medford, due to complications of cancer.

He was born on December 2, 1957 in Eau Claire, WI to Clark Pierson and Virginia “Ginger” Buchanan. Jim grew up in Chippewa Falls, WI and graduated from Chi-Hi. He started early in the trucking industry, first as a driver and then owner operator with Walzon Transfer. Jim married Bambi Rieder on August 22, 1981. Being a very gifted mechanic and fabricator Jim and Bambi built JR Mfg & Repair in Lake Hallie. After Bambi’s death in 2009, Jim married Denise Holm in 2013 and retired in 2021.

During retirement he enjoyed building a hobby farm with his wife and all the adventures that came with it!

His mind was sharp, his arms were strong, his hands were productive, and his loyalty was fierce. He was a man of steel with a heart of gold. His quick, dry sense of humor and his great smile made him really fun to be around. He got a kick out of being corny too, “Be alert, ‘cause the world needs more lerts.”

Jim liked numbers and routines and was the mastermind behind countless incredible projects. He held himself to high standards and expected others to do their best too. When he put his mind to a task, he didn’t look back. He was one of the best problem solvers around. If he couldn’t figure it out, probably no one could. We have all suffered a great loss with the passing of JR, The Captain. He was truly one of a kind and it would be hard to find a finer man.

He is survived by his wife: Denise Raven; sons: Bryan (Tara) Raven, Jakob (Dana) Raven, and Jack (Jessa) Raven; stepdaughters: Jessa Peterson, Vallie (Alex) Meyer, Petra (Luke) Sigmund, Briana (Jeremy) Noble, Kenra Stevens, Riley Raven, Rebecca (Ezra) Lahner, Juliana (Joshua) Johnson, and Ellie (Lewis) Lahner; brother: Tony Buchanan; sister: Becky Raven; 36 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Bambi Raven of 28 years; stepdad: Jack Raven; mother: Virginia Raven; and brother: Brad Raven.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 12:00 PM on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Bloomer Baptist Church. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM, on Friday at the church with Pastor Jared Goebel from Heritage Baptist Church in Stanley officiating. Following the service, a meal will be served at the church. Interment will be at the Bloomer Cemetery.