It is with sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Gerken Rae of Beachwood, Ohio. Jim passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13th at the age of 90, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jim was born in the Bronx, NY in 1936 and spent his childhood in Tarrytown, NY. He attended Cornell University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He moved to Circleville, OH in the early 60’s as part of his employment at DuPont Corporation. Jim was an engineer for DuPont for nearly 40 years, primarily at the Teflon and Kapton plant in Circleville, Ohio. He was known for his sharp intellectand wit, adherence to routines, and a generous heart.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his daughters Linda Rae and husband Drew Hertz of Shaker Heights, OH and Karen Rae Bestand husband Shane of Carmel, IN; step-son John Aloisio and wife Pat of Chillicothe, OH and step-daughter Teresa Bevan of Delray Beach, FL; sister Barbara Rae Laws and husband Donald of Sea Girt, NJ, and brother Peter Rae and wife Sandra of Poughkeepsie, NY; grandchildren Samuel Hertz and wife Hannah, Madeline Hertz, Courtney Best, Tyler Best, Gina Aloisio and husband Roy, John Franklin Aloisio III, Elizabeth Bevan and husband Patrick, Marissa Bevan, and Aaron Bevan; and great-grandchildren Teagan Bevan and Aaron Bevan Jr. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma J. Rae and his parents James R Rae and Ruth G Rae.

A memorial to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at Brown-Forward funeral home in Shaker Heights, OH on August 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with a gathering at the home of Linda Rae and Drew Hertz immediately afterward.

Jim will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His strength, humor, and generosity will continue to inspire those who loved him.