~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, DL Capt. James Grady Ratliff Jr.
November 21, 1943 — December 9, 2024
Today we remember retired Delta Air Lines pilot
Captain James Grady Ratliff Jr., age 81. Captain Ratliff joined Delta Air Lines
09-25-1972 and was based Atlanta. He is
survived by his wife Nancy, and by his daughters and his grandchildren.
PCN memorial site :
Obituary information is available online at
https://www.caldwellandcowan.com/obituaries/james-ratliff-jr
James Grady Ratliff Jr., a devoted husband,
father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday,
December 9th, 2024, at the age of 81, surrounded by his loving family. He was
preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Ratliff.
Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, James lived a life
marked by love, service, adventure, and unwavering dedication to his family and
community.
James shared 62½ wonderful years of marriage with
his beloved wife, Nancy Ratliff, who remained by his side through a lifetime of
cherished memories. Together, they raised two daughters, Mary Christine Ratliff
and Jenifer Irene Ratliff-Shahda, who were the pride and joy of his life. He
was a doting grandfather to Garrett Hurt, Chloe Teague, Lillian Shahda, and
Evelyn Shahda, and a beloved brother to Bill Ratliff and John Ratliff. James
also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends who will deeply miss
his kindness and generosity.
James’ life of achievement began in Greenwood,
Mississippi, where he cultivated his lifelong values of hard work and
integrity. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1965, where he was
a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Answering the call to
serve, James joined the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of
Captain and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor and exceptional
service during the Vietnam War.
Following his military service, James enjoyed a
fulfilling career as a commercial pilot with Delta Air Lines, spanning thirty
years until his retirement in 2003. Even in retirement, James’ adventurous
spirit led him to pursue passions that fueled his soul. As a long-standing
member of the Stearman Restorers Association, he devoted countless hours to
restoring and assisting in the restoration of vintage Stearman aircraft, a
hobby that combined his love of aviation, history, and craftsmanship.
James also found joy in cycling, participating in
road bike races and earning the title of the Georgia Time Trial Champion. His
perseverance and strength were matched only by his humility and grace.
James will be remembered as a man of honesty,
courage, patience, and generosity. He was a steadfast presence in the lives of
those he loved, a true embodiment of kindness and integrity. His adventurous
spirit and fearless heart inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing
him.
The family invites friends and loved ones to
celebrate James’ remarkable life and legacy at a celebration of life to be held
in the coming spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stearman
Restorers Association that honors his commitment to aviation restoration.
Checks can be made payable to the Stearman Restorers Association at 1920
Patterson Drive Galesburg, Illinois 61401 or by PayPal at StearmanSRA@gmail.com
May James Grady Ratliff Jr. forever soar among the
clouds, where his adventurous spirit will continue to shine brightly.
Jim was a great person and a true friend. His generosity of time and talent knew no bounds. His life left the world a better place.
ReplyDeleteJames was a good man. We played tennis in Conyers, GA.
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