James Henry Ragan Jr.

He was born January 10, 1942 in Peoria to James Henry and Darlene Karol (Waldbesser) Ragan, Sr. He married Jamie Schermer on January 23, 1965 in Peoria. She survives along with two daughters: Jana (Jeff) Stevens of Peoria, Jacy (Kent) Smith of Peoria, four grandchildren: Grace Stevens, Isabella Stevens, Tyler Smith, Hunter Smith, one brother, Michael (Rochelle) Ragan of Hanna City, one sister, Janet (Ron) Burton of Peoria, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Karen Engle.

Jim was a United States Navy veteran serving on the USS Newport News-CA148. Following his time in the Military, Jim worked for Caterpillar, Inc. He started in manufacturing and worked his way to Foreman before accepting a position in the office where he retired in 2002 as a Black Belt.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts Management from Sangamon State University in Springfield, Illinois then his Master of Science from Bradley University in 1988.

Jim enjoyed volunteering on the Honor Flights to Washington and even went on one of the flights with his brother. He also enjoyed fishing trips and took 47 trips to the Minnesota-Canada border to the BWCA (Boundary Water Canoe Area). He played in and won many racquetball tournaments over the years. Jim was also a member of the Bartonville American Legion Post 979.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Jim’s life will be Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bartonville American Legion. Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Private graveside services will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or the Peoria Honor Flight program.

You may view Jim’s obituary online at www.Davison-FultonBartonvilleChapel.com