Jim Rae is getting haughty as he advances in life. This forenoon he had Photographer Blackburn and his camera steadfastly gazing at his store. Jim wants a cut of his building for advertising purposes. (Grand Forks Daily Herald, Wednesday Evening, April 17, 1889, Volume XV, Number 140, Page 4)
Grand Forks’ Loss. In the death of James Rae the city of Grand Forks has sustained the loss of one of its best citizens, and most enterprising business men. The loss is one which will be felt keenly in social, fraternal and commercial circles. As a man Mr. Rae was genial, kind hearted, true and generous to a fault. Possessed of a keen sense of humor, his very presence was cheering to all he came in contact with. As a citizen he was thoroughly American through and through, broad gauged, public spirited, liberal in his views, always manifesting a deep interest in the welfare of the city. As a business man he was progressive, enterprising and appreciative of the wants of his patrons. Blunt and decisive in words, Mr. Rae yet had a cheery and magnetic way that won him a host of friends and patrons. To his personal individuality was due largely the signal business success he achieved. The loss of such citizens as Mr. Rae is a blow that Grand Forks can illy afford to sustain at this time, and as a token of respect business houses will generally close this afternoon and the city will attend the obsequies almost en masse. (Grand Forks Daily Herald, Tuesday Morning, February 13, 1894, Volume 13, Number 90, Page 2)
THE GRIM REAPER. Death of James Rae Occurs of Apoplexy on Sabbath Morning, And Grand Forks Is Bereft of Another of Its Noblest Citizens. Again the grim reaper, Death, has visited our fair city and bereft it of one of its noblest citizens. A few minutes after 7 o’clock Sabbath morning (February 11, 1894) James Rae breathed his last, after an illness of several weeks of apoplexy with other complications. Early in the progress of the disease it became almost apparent to friends that he could not survive and Mrs. Rae was hastily summoned home from far away California, where she had gone a few months before in hope that the mild climate of the Pacific coast might benefit her health. Constantly she ministered to his wants, realizing that nothing she could do could avail to save the life of the one dear to her. Brethren of the fraternities did all that mortal man could do to relieve and comfort his last days, but could do nothing to stay the coming of the death angel. The serious complications of the disease gave the physicians but little encouragement from the first, and the sad news of his death was not unexpected by the host of friends of Mr. Rae. Mr. Rae was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1850, and his early life was spent in Glasgow and London, where he learned, by years of faithful service, a thorough knowledge of the business of which he made so signal a success here. Mr. Rae came to Grand Forks in 1882, and was in the employ of the pioneer firm of South & Wisner until they retired from business, and subsequently connected with other firms. In 1887 he commenced business for himself in a humble way, but by perseverance, an unusual degree of business tact, a thorough knowledge of trade and a genial, happy way, he had attracted a patronage that was very extensive and built up a business that has been the pride of the city.
The deceased leaves a widow and two young children, and also a step-son who will miss his fatherly care. Mr. Rae left a will bequeathing all his property to his wife and children. His life was insured for $12,500. The funeral services will take place from the Presbyterian church at 2 p.m. today, Rev. A. McGregor officiating. The obsequies at the church will be conducted by the Knights Templar and at the cemetery by Acacia lodge, A. F. and A. M. The pall bearers from the Masonic lodge will be Alex Mather, Robt. Green, Sr., T. R. Bangs, D. P. McLaurin, W. S. Russell and John Zerfass. The Knight Templar escort will include Jas. Elton, Wm. Budge, W. J. Anderson, Jas. Jenks, D. M. Holmes and Geo. B. Winship. Business houses generally will be closed from 12 to 4 o’clock in order that all may attend the service. (Grand Forks Daily Herald, Tuesday Morning, February 13, 1894, Volume 13, Number 90, Page 4)