James Francis Raleigh, 79, of Mexico, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at his home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, at Arnold Funeral Home with Pastor George Hardy officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Laddonia Cemetery.

Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Jim was born on November 15, 1944, in Vandalia, the son of James P. and Lillian May (Clithero) Raleigh. On October 16, 1966, in Martinsburg, he married Carolyn Virginia Moser.

Mr. Raleigh graduated from Community R-6 High School in 1962 and attended college until proudly serving in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. After returning from the service, he worked for CE Refractories and then Kaiser Refractories. Jim also worked as a salesman for a Nebraska based business, selling vitamin and mineral premixes in northern Missouri and southern Iowa. These sales skills would prove valuable when he started his business, Everlast, a company that produces premium grade dog food.

Jim had many interests. He loved fishing, hunting and cowboy action shooting. His wide love of sports including bowling, something he really enjoyed. Jim never sat still. He was a pilot, loved riding motorcycles and was a makeshift mechanic who could fix anything. Jim was definitely a guy that worked hard but played hard.

Some ways he relaxed was watching cowboy and war movies while reading a book. He also loved being a jokester and telling a good story. But above everything he had accomplished in life, Jim loved being around people, especially his family. Time with the grandchildren could easily put a smile on his face.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Raleigh of the home; one daughter, Sherry Raleigh-Adams (husband Michael) of Jonesburg; one son, Darin (Tammy) Raleigh, Sr.  of Mexico; two grandchildren, Darin (Erin) Raleigh Jr. of Thompson and Katie (Kyle) Raleigh of Mexico; three great-grandchildren, Coulter James Raleigh, Camrynn Woodward and Mikeala Woodward; one sister, Karen Creech of Montgomery City; one niece, Andrea (Rick) Zumwalt of Quincy; two nephews, Mark Raleigh of Quincy and Matthew Raleigh of Quincy; and his beloved border collie, Panda.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dale Raleigh.

Memorial donations may be made to the Central MO Honor Flight. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.