Obituary: James Howard Razor

August 7, 1929 - October 11, 2010

James (Jim) Razor, 81-years old, a resident of Carson City for the last 12 years, died at his home on Oct. 11. A loving father and grandfather who dedicated his life to the family; a true member of "The Last Great Generation." Jim instilled character and values to his family quietly and always by example. Jim was the solid foundation for his family both as husband, father even as uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in Whittier, Calif., Aug. 7, 1929, to William and Francis Razor.

Jim served in the U.S. Army Signal Corp, as part of the Alaska Communication System (ACS) for 10 years, stationed throughout the Alaska territory. The Alaskan wilderness is where he began his life-long love for the backcountry. While on military leave in Los Angeles he met and married Beatrice 'Betty' Ramirez,

When ACS was privatized, he left the military, moving his family to San Gabriel Valley, Calif., taking a position with Pacific Telesis (AT&T) in Los Angeles. Jim a strong advocate of the power of education attained his goal, an MBA from Claremont Graduate College in Claremont, Calif.

He retired from the Pacific Telesis (AT&T) as circuit supervisor and was justifiably proud of his leadership during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the pope's visit to L.A. After moving to Carson City, he joined the local AT &T Telephone Pioneers, assisting in community services in Carson City.

While working full time to support the family he served as scoutmaster and district commissioner in the San Gabriel Valley BSA Council. As a volunteer, Jim received two of the highest BSA honors: the Order of the Arrow and Silver Beaver. His sons were leaders in their troops, assisting Jim in leading many scouts into the high country. Many a scouts tells tales of Jim and his "Camper that went anywhere."

He is survived by Betty, his wife of 57 years; daughters Debra Goates (Chino, Calif.), Susan Scharer (Zephyr Cove), and sons James Steven (Alta Loma, Calif.), Jorge William (La Habra, Calif.), Edward Thomas (Pasadena, Calif.); and granddaughters: Kimberly Caldaldo, Kathleen Hahn, Natalie Hines, Emily Scharer; and great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Nickolas, Cerenity, Gage and soon-to-be-born William. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sister.

A celebration of life is scheduled in the near future. Arrangements are in the trusted care of Fitzhenry's, Carson City.