James Howard Rawlins

James (Jim) Rawlins was born in Galion, Ohio on February 5th, 1951, to Mary (Stewart) and James Rawlins. Jim was one of five children and the only boy. He lived in Ohio until graduating from high school when he entered the United States Marine Corp. He served as a Marine from July 15, 1969 - July 14, 1972. After leaving the military Jim moved to Oregon where he met and married his wife of 53 years, Paula (Nelson) Rawlins. They settled in the Salem/Jefferson area and raised their two children: Sam Rawlins and Rachel (Rawlins) Dunbar. Jim joined the City of Salem Police Force in 1980 where he rose to the rank of Detective, serving as a polygraph examiner at the end of his career. Jim earned several awards while with the police force, including the Medal of Valor. After leaving the police force in July of 2003 Jim started a private polygraph business, until illness forced his retirement.

Jim had many interests and hobbies. He enjoyed family and friends, travel, his Harley Davidson motorcycle, bow hunting, a good card game, puzzles, sitting around the campfire and fishing. He watched any and all football games and was an avid fan of his home state team, the Ohio State University Buckeyes!

Jim was a kind and caring husband, father, and grandfather. His love for his family was apparent, giving help and support when and where it was needed.

Jim is survived by his wife Paula (Nelson) Rawlins, their children; Samuel Rawlins and Rachel (Rawlins) Dunbar, their seven grandchildren; Gabriel, Sebastian, Elijah, Zane, Amarie, Kaitelyn and River, and his sisters; Diane (Larry) Young and Pam (Earl) Butler.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Mary Stewart and James Rawlins and his sisters; Patricia (Steve, deceased) Lohr and Mary (Dennis) Pelfrey

We are grateful for his service to our country and community. We are thankful for the love, care and kindness that was shown to all whose lives he's touched. His absence will be greatly felt.