James A. Raplin, was a political activist, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio. He died May 30, 2017 at the Symphony of South Shore Facility in Chicago, where he was a resident for two and a half years.
Raplin was well known in the political circles. He had been invited to the White House and met four U.S. Presidents during his lifetime. He traveled to South Africa and met with the leaders from various African Tribes.
A Republican, he was founder of the Frontier Republicans, Inc. of Ohio. He worked for the Board Of Election in Chicago, the Cleveland Cavaliers Corporation, and attended Howard University.
The family extended special thanks to the staff at Symphony of South Shore, Alex Achille, Felicia Lewis, the 3rd floor staff, CNAs, Drs. Michelle Martinchek and Tia Kostas, both of the University of Chicago.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Blanch Raplin, and sister Gloria R. Cochran. He leaves to mourn his devoted companion, Mattie; daughter, Shannon Marie (Wilbert) Lewis; one grandson, Walter; niece, Jan Cochran; the Burgos Family of California and a host of nephews, nieces and many friends across the country.
A memorial service will be held in Cleveland, Ohio at a later date. The public is invited to express thoughts and memories in the online guest book: The Plain Dealer – Cleveland at http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/