James Breland Ratliff

James Breland Ratliff - Our beloved and wonderful father was called home by his Lord on August 1, 2014. He was born in McComb, MS on May 15,1923 and moved to Portsmouth, VA in 1940. He served 2 1/2 years as Sergeant in WW II in the 104th Infantry Division. James then moved to Richmond, VA with the SCL Railroad. In 1967 he made Jacksonville, FL his home and has remained a devoted member of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church ever since. After 40 years with CSX Railroad he retired in Dec.1982. James was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ercell, brother, Earl Ratliff of Richmond, VA and his beloved parents, Adolph and Hazel Ratliff. James is survived by Connie (Charles III) Hartle, Sheila Ratliff, Weston Ratliff of Portsmouth, VA, sister in law, Jewell Ratliff of Richmond, VA as well as grandsons, Charles Hartle IV, and Ryan (Sarah) Hartle of Tallahassee, FL. He will be dearly missed by his family and his many caring friends. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from five o clock until seven o clock in the evening on Thursday, August 7, 2014. Funeral services will be held at ten o clock in the morning on Friday, August 8, 2014 at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Kyle Reese officiating. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. Words of comfort may be shared at www.Hardage-GiddensHendricksAve.com HARDAGE-GIDDENS, HENDRICKS CHAPEL, 4115 Hendricks Avenue is serving the family.