Obituary of Jeffery Miles Raymond

Jeffery Miles Raymond, age 83, of Lake Station, Michigan, passed away at Detroit Receiving Hospital on November 5, 2025.  Jeff was born May 9, 1942, in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Clair and Daphne Raymond.  Jeff grew up in Loomis, Michigan, and attended school in Clare, Michigan, where he excelled in basketball, baseball, and football, as well as academics.  Following graduation, Jeff served four years in the United States Air Force as military police, then briefly attended the University of Maryland before striking out to New York City where he began a long career in the music business as a singer/songwriter/producer.  Jeff lived and worked in New York City and Nashville, Tennessee, as well as many other places throughout the USA. 

Jeff’s music career began at age seven, playing guitar and singing live on WCEN radio in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, with his older brother, Rod Raymond.  Jeff’s love of music influenced his entire life.  While living in NYC Jeff produced an album of his own songs and then moved to Nashville.  There Jeff made his mark with thirteen songs on Billboard Charts, two of which went platinum; a rare accomplishment.  In addition to playing many gigs around the country, Jeff played for years at the world-famous Flora-bama where he was well-known, loved and enjoyed every moment.

Jeff was a simple man.  He loved his family, he loved sports, and he loved music.  Oh, and he loved to play poker.   He was fortunate to live a life filled with all of these things.  The saying “to thine own self be true” fit Jeff to a tee.

It was his love of sports that introduced Jeff to his future wife.  Jeff was coaching a softball team in Nashville where he met and fell in love with the first base player, Marsha Swauger.  They married and had one son, Cooper John Bingham Raymond.  For Jeff, his greatest accomplishment was producing not only songs, but being part of bringing his son to life.  He was very proud of his son and loved Cooper beyond all.

Later in life Jeff moved back to his beloved Michigan and was again a fortunate man to have family close by.  His family was a constant in his life and he valued them highly.

Jeff is survived by his son, Cooper Raymond, of Nashville, TN; his nephews, Rex (Letha) Raymond of Lake, MI and Randy (Janet) Raymond of Clare, MI; niece, Deborah (John) Drees of Ludington, MI; many grand and great-grand nephews and nieces; cherished friends and neighbors, the Boyd family, of Lake, MI; and many treasured friends.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Rod Raymond; his sister, Ileene Raymond Epley; infant brother, Jacob Raymond; and nephew, Rod Jeffery Raymond.

Jeff will be missed by those who love him.  However, we must remember how fortunate Jeff was to have lived his life filled with all the things he most loved.  In Jeff’s own words…” I want there to be a celebration of my life, which has been the most “Blessed” life God ever put breath into.  I’ve had more fun and laughed more than I should have and I really have no regrets.  I want there to be lots of music and stories and laughter.  I’m sure most of you have a story or two to tell.  Or make something up, as long as it’s not sad.  You should know that you are the very best family in the world and I love you all.  Remember that love is all there is, there is nothing else.  God Bless you all…”

A gathering to celebrate Jeff will be held at 11 am, December 7, 2025, at the Clare County Senior Community Center, 101 Michigan Street, Farwell, MI. Please join us for memories and a potluck luncheon, with the family providing a hot entrée.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.