James Thomas Raymond, Sr., 77 of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was born on March 27, 1948. He was the son of the late Mary L. Bickfort and William Bush.

James attended McKeesport High School, where he later left to join the United States Army and served as a helicopter gunner in the Vietnam War. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he obtained his GED and began working for Xerox as a computer technician. Later, he went back to school and received his CDL, and drove trucks for several trucking companies until he became disabled. 

James was married to the late Melvina Scott Raymond, and to their union they had three children, Roslyn, La Perry, and James Raymond, Jr. He also had two other daughters, Maressa Morgan of California, and Jamiah Raymond of Ohio. 

James departed this life peacefully on August 25, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Aspinwall, PA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Melvina Scott Raymond, daughter, Roslyn Raymond, parents, mother, Mary Louise Bickfort, father, William Bush; siblings, Mary Raymond, Rose Raymond, William Raymond, and Martha Raymond Hall.  

Remaining to cherish James’s memory are his children, La Perry Raymond, James Raymond, Maressa Morgan, Jamiah Raymond; 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, John E Raymond; nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.