James Thurman Ratcliff

March 23, 1928 - August 5, 2019

James Thurman Ratcliff, age 91, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2019 at West Houston Medical Hospital in Houston, Texas. He leaves his wife of 66 years, Betty (Scott) Ratcliff; his daughters, Marcia Gore and Valerie Ratcliff and his grandson, Elliot Wheeler. Jim was born in Homer, Louisiana on March 23, 1928 to John William and Lizzie Mae Ratcliff. He grew up in Junction City, Louisiana and then joined the Navy at age 18, where he was stationed in Palmyra Atoll in the Line Island of the Central Pacific. After his service he met and then married Betty Jean Scott on May 16, 1953 in Morrilton, Arkansas. Jim worked for Amoco Oil Corporation for 37 years and enjoyed 31 years of retirement travelling with Betty, discovering interesting places around the United States as well as touring with the Texas City Travelers to various countries abroad. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 11:00 AM in the Friendship Court at the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions in Jim’s memory to the Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS160, Houston, TX 77030 to honor Lester Smith for his generosity that he extended to our family.