James E.

James E. Rau, 86, of Monroe, MI passed away at his residence on September 15, 2009. Jim was born September 9, 1923 in Millersport, OH the son of Harry W. and Olliebelle (Steppert) Rau. Jim was a 1941graduate of Monroe High School. He went on to attend Cleary College where he received his bachelor's degree. Jim served his country proudly as a Corporal in the US Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945 serving in the 485th Bomb Group of the828th Squadron. In 1947 Jim joined Rau Cartage, which his father started in 1925. He retired in 1988. Jim was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder, Trustee and as Head Usher. Jim was very active in the Monroe community. Jim was a founding member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Monroe North, member of the Monroe Lodge #27 F&AM, Scottish Rite, the Shriners, and DeMolay, member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and life member of VFW Post 1138. At the YMCA, he served as a board member and co-chair of the building committee and was past president. He also worked on United Way campaigns. Jim joined the Board of Trustees of Memorial Hospital in 1964 and served as its president from 1970-1972. Jim was an integral part of the merger between Monroe's two hospitals. From 1972 to 1978 Jim served on the Board of Trustees for Mercy Memorial Hospital and was elected president on October 21, 1975. Jim is survived by 2 sisters, Jacquelyn (Mark) Ardis of Charlotte, NC and Janet (Eugene) Winkelman of Cleveland, OH, sister-in-law Jan M. Rau of Monroe, 11 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, brother Jack K. Rau preceded him in death. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home where a Masonic Service will be held at 6:00 PM. On Saturday, September 19, 2009 he will lie in state at the First Presbyterian Church from 12:30 PM until funeral services celebrating his life at 1:30 PM. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor's choice.