Melbourne, MO: Jim Ratliff was born in Melbourne, Mo. on Feb. 17,1935 to Frances Lee Ratliff and Alice Fay Long Ratliff. He was the 8th child of their 9 children and graduated from Gilman City. He passed away at his home on Nov. 11,2018 at the age of 83.Jim served in the Army from 1957 to 1960 in France and Germany as a electrician. On July 5, 1969, Jim married Lynda Powell in Bethany where they continue to live for 49 years.
He worked in maintenance for the Harrison County Courthouse and Gilman City school plus driving a truck. They farmed and raised hogs and cattle. He loved to do wood working, carving, quilting and reading. The highlight of his year was decorating a city block for Christmas for everyone to enjoy. They won many awards for it. He also played Santa.
In addition to his loving wife Lynda, he left 1 brother Darrell (Deloris); sisters Winifred Burrows and Carolyn (Virgil) Griffin; sister-in-law Bonnie; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Dale, sisters- Vivian (Ray) McAtee, Margaret (Cliff) Waterbury, Aville (Lester) Robertson, Deloris (Lon) Pierson.
Funeral services were Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Bethany Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with burial at Miriam Cemetery. Memorial donation are suggested for the Bethany Public Library.