Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved City Worker After Tragic Accident
ROME, Ga. — The vibrant spirit of James Rayburn is being remembered by family, friends, and a community that he fiercely dedicated his life to. Whether affectionately referred to as Pops, Mr. Mayor, Superman, or simply Daddy, Rayburn’s influence generated waves of love and respect throughout Rome, especially in the hearts of his daughters, Marissa and Nicole Rayburn.
A Life Full of Character
Growing up in Rome, Marissa and Nicole feel deeply fortunate to have called Rayburn their dad. His presence was like ***glue*** that held the family and community together. “He had a certain spot on people’s hearts,” Nicole shared with tears in her eyes. “People cherished that, whether he was a papa to them, or a dad or brother. He really touched people that he met.” His warm, charismatic nature extended not just to his family but also to everyone he interacted with.
The Sudden Loss
Rayburn dedicated more than two decades of service working with the water department for the city of Rome. Tragically, fate took a devastating turn late Thursday night. At approximately 11:30 p.m., while Rayburn and his fellow worker Michael Walters were busy replacing a water main on Coosawattee Avenue, a heartbreaking accident occurred when dirt and concrete collapsed around them.
In this harrowing moment, Michael Walters managed to escape the debris, but Rayburn found himself trapped and required rescue by local fire and emergency crews. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, leaving his family grappling with an unimaginable loss at just 55 years old.
Processing Grief
For Marissa, receiving the news of her father’s passing moments after midnight was a moment that shattered her world. “They told us he didn’t make it,” she recalled. “They don’t make people like him. He’d give you the shirt off his back. My daddy’s morals were top-tier. They always say a girl’s dad is her first love. That man was my first love and my greatest heartbreak.” The flood of emotions has been unrelenting, and both sisters are navigating their grief with the support of their close-knit family.
A Legacy of Kindness
A significant part of Rayburn’s legacy is his unwavering work ethic and dedication to the community. Marissa expressed how her father helped her secure a job at the Rome water department nearly a decade ago, highlighting a sense of pride that stemmed from working alongside him. “You can ask anyone who works for the city, you ask about my daddy, and I promise you won’t find anyone who would say anything bad about him,” she said. Her words resonate with countless others who have been touched by his kindness.
Rayburn’s impact extends beyond work, as he actively volunteered with emergency management, participated in community clean-up efforts, and helped distribute gifts to underprivileged children around Christmas time. Nicole recalled, “You just want to wake up. I feel like I’m dreaming. I just want somebody to shake me and tell me it’s not real. I just hope he didn’t suffer.”
Investigations and Community Support
In the wake of the incident, Rayburn’s body has been sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for an examination to determine the official cause of death. Meanwhile, the city of Rome is taking active steps to ensure something like this does not happen again. They will be hiring a third-party municipal risk consultant to investigate the worksite closely. Unfortunately, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration noted they do not have jurisdiction over municipal employees and are not involved in the investigation.
Finding Strength Together
Marissa and Nicole are leaning into the support of their family and the community as they mourn their father. “A lot of people are hurt, not just our family,” Nicole emphasized. “The city, this town, this community, the softball community, everyone is grieving. It’s not something that’s going to go away.” The pain of losing such a beloved figure is immeasurable, but so is the love that remains behind. Rayburn’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to family and community will forever resonate in the hearts of many.
