Lavere Doc James

GRAVESIDE SERVICES : 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids, MN.INTERMENT : Greenwood Cemetery, Park Rapids, MNSURVIVORS : His long-time girlfriend, Jan Scott of Park Rapids, MN; her children: Chad (Aubrey) Scott of Two Harbors, MN, Alicia (Tim) Jones of Elk River, MN and Baleen (Murray) Roberts of Lino Lakes, MN; 4 brothers: Barry James of Minneapolis, MN, Dennis James of Park Rapids, MN, Clifford (Penny) James of Park Rapids, MN and Lorin James of Park Rapids, MN; 1 sister, Violet (Jerry) Richards of Staples, MN. LAVERE "DOC" JAMESFebruary 25, 1933 ~ September 2, 2011 LaVere "Doc" James, age 78 of Park Rapids, MN entered eternity on Friday, September 2, 2011 at St. Joseph"s Area Hospital in Park Rapids with his loved ones at his side. Doc was born on February 25, 1933 in Minneapolis, MN to Marvin and Verna (Hanson) James. As a small boy he moved with his parents to Park Rapids, MN where he attended Park Rapids Public School, graduating with the Class of 1951. In February of 1952, he entered the United States Air Force where he served his country during the Korean War. He received his honorable discharge in 1956. After his military service he attended Bemidji State College. In the late 1950"s, Doc worked road construction throughout Minnesota and Montana. In 1962, he began driving truck over the road in a career that spanned over 35 years. He also owned and operated his own garbage trucking business for a number of years. Doc loved aviation and was a private pilot who was part-owner of his own airplane for many years. He enjoyed boating and especially loved his Inboard/Outboard with a 327 Chevrolet engine. He was a great water skier who could even ski barefooted. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Above all, Doc dedicated his life to his special friend, Jan Scott, his family and many friends. Doc will be lovingly remembered by his long-time girlfriend, Jan Scott of Park Rapids, MN; her children: Chad (Aubrey) Scott of Two Harbors, MN, Alicia (Tim) Jones of Elk River, MN and Baleen (Murray) Roberts of Lino Lakes, MN; 4 brothers: Barry James of Minneapolis, MN, Dennis James of Park Rapids, MN, Clifford (Penny) James of Park Rapids, MN and Lorin James of Park Rapids, MN; 1 sister, Violet (Jerry) Richards of Staples, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister-in-law, Bonnie James. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids, MN. Military Honors will be provided by Star of the North Marine Corps League.