Accountant and real estate manager Jeffrey Raymond succumbs

JEFFREY KLINGER RAYMOND, an accountant and real estate manager, died on Friday, May 23, 2014, in Metairie, Louisiana, after a prolonged illness. He was 59.

Although he never married, Jeff had many friends. His greatest affection was reserved for his nephew, Robert, the pride of his life, whom he helped raise and treated as a son. Among his many hobbies, raising and photographing orchids was a source of great fascination for Jeffrey. He collected orchids from all over the world and was a member of the American Orchid Society. He was also an avid firearms collector and was a member of the National Rifle Association. In addition, he was renowned locally as founder, president and sole member of the Society of South Louisiana Satsuma Wranglers.

A native of New Orleans, Raymond was born in 1954 and graduated from Alcee Fortier High School in New Orleans. He later attended the University of New Orleans and received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from there prior to being employed by Joseph Barbe, CPA, of Chalmette, Louisiana. Years later he became a partner in a new firm, Barbe and Raymond, PC, which in later years became Jeffrey K. Raymond, APAC, of Jefferson, Louisiana. Jeff also was the primary administrator for the Raymond family’s real estate holdings.

He is survived by his sister, Donna Rose Raymond of Metairie and a nephew, Robert Max Raymond, also of Metairie, whom he helped to raise and treated him much as his own son.

Although he never married, Jeff had many friends. He collected orchids from all over the world and was a member of the American Orchid Society. Raymond’s greatest passion was in raising and photographing his orchids for others to see. He was also an avid firearms collector and was a member of the National Rifle Association. In addition, he was renowned locally as founder, president and sole member of the Society of South Louisiana Satsuma Wranglers.

Graveside funeral services were held  Monday afternoon, May 26, at 2:00 p.m., at Chevra Thilim Cemetery, 4824 Canal Street. Rabbi Robert Loewy officiated.

Funeral arrangements were by by Tharp Sontheimer Tharp, 1600 North Causeway Blvd, Metairie, Louisiana 7001.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jewish Children’s Regional Service, Jack M. Pulitzer Fund, P.O. Box 7368, Metairie, LA 70010-5277 or The American Lung Association , 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601, 800-586-4872