James A. Raynor

1939-2022

James A. Raynor (83) a resident of Independent Living at Maranatha Village, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on September 9th, following a long illness

James was born on September 5, 1939 in Center Moriches, NY.   James is survived by his wife of 63 years Takeko Raynor, three children Cynthia (Douglas) DeMent, Christine (James) Arnzen and James (Brenda) Raynor II.

Grand children Kara (Phillip) Flatau, Keith (Meleah) DeMent, Hope (Cory) Faison, Hannah (Kyle) DeVries, Haven (Broc) MacFee, James (Trey)(Jayme) Raynor III, Jade (Jonathon) Murphy, Joshua Raynor and Jack Raynor.

Great grand children; Crew and Caia Flatau, Kalia and Kyler DeMent and one baby Raynor on the way.

He is also survived by brothers Roscoe (Lorie) Francis, John (Rose) Francis and Brother-in-law Christopher Greco and many, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother Dorothy Francis, Step-Father, John E. Francis, his father Arthur Raynor, his sister Katherine Greco, and brother Lawrence Raynor.

James A. Raynor grew up on Long Island and graduated High School in Center Moriches, NY. From 1958-1963, he served his country with pride as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy. He earned the rank of E4 while serving in Mobile Construction Battalion 3. It was while serving in Okinawa that he met and later married Takeko Miyagi on August 8, 1959.

Following his Naval service, James returned to Center Moriches and was employed by Brookhaven Laboratory and later started his own business as an electrician. James sensed a call to ministry and attended Long Island Bible Institute and Berean School of the Bible. He was an Ordained Assemblies of God minister. He served as Assistant Pastor at Center Moriches Assembly of God and Shirley Assembly of God. He became Lead Pastor at Shirley Assembly of God in 1972 and served there for 40 years until his retirement in 2012. Under his leadership, Shirley Assembly experienced tremendous growth, purchased land, and built a new sanctuary. Upon retirement, Rev. James Raynor was designated Pastor Emeritus.

He served at Presbyter of the Long Island Section of the New York District of the Assemblies of God for many years. He was a mentor to many ministers and upon his retirement was granted the title of Honorary Presbyter for life. He was a sought-after teacher and guest speaker for Sunday School conferences, Church Planters trainings, and Marriage Retreats.

James loved to tend to his garden, lift weights, play his trombone, take long walks, pray and read. He loved his community, his family and his Lord wholeheartedly.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13th, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 East Seminole, Springfield, MO 65809.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday September 14th, at Greenlawn Funeral home. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Garden Cemetery 3506 N. National Springfield MO 65803

In lieu of flowers, his beloved wife, Takeko is collecting gifts of love for ministries in Japan. Cards may be sent to Takeko Raynor.