James J. Rahaim, Jr. 71, of St. Petersburg, Florida, formerly of Holden, died peacefully after a brief illness on Thursday, September 4, 2008 in the New England Baptist Hospital, Boston.

He leaves his wife of 32 years, Carol A. (Petterson) Rahaim; four sons, Christopher J. Rahaim, Michael J. Rahaim and Mark R. Gunnard all of Florida, and Eric C. Gunnard and his wife Nancy of Rutland; a sister, Rita Turo Head and her husband Thomas of West Boylston; 5 granddaughters, 2 grandsons; 2 nephews, David and Jay Turo, both of California; and 2 grandnephews. He was born in Worcester, son of James J. and Alice (Katter) Rahaim, Sr. and was a 40-year resident of Holden before moving to St. Petersburg, Florida seven years ago.

Jim was a 1955 graduate of Saint John’s High School in Worcester and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a District Manager for Combined Insurance Co. of America in Brookline and later co-founded Elite Enterprises, a travel agency in Worcester. Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He travelled extensively with his wife and friends and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 7th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 12), Holden. The funeral will be held on Monday, September 8th, from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Church, 40 Temple Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue (Rte. 56), Paxton. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 1 Bridge St., Suite 102, Newton, MA 02458-1132.