James Ellis Ratcliffe

Jim felt a profound connection to community and reveled in the connections he built with family, neighbours and friends. He made these connections naturally with all who met him. A man of many talents, he was modest and humble about his many accomplishments.

He was a natural adventurer, loved to travel and was king of the road trip. He thoroughly embraced the journey as much as the destination.

He spent his formative years in Winnipeg, considered priesthood and attended seminary school in Edmonton and Moosejaw but knew that marriage and fatherhood were his ultimate calling. He met the love of his life, Frances Kolodka in Winnipeg and together they chose to make a new life for themselves in Thompson. Here they built 2 homes that he designed and constructed on their own. They also welcomed their 4 children: Christie (James), Bruce, Joel and Shaun (Dana).

They relocated to Ontario and built their home in Pontypool. Here was the base for 54 years of partnership and adventures together.

Jim was a mechanical genius and could MacGyver a solution to any problem. He loved: camping, canoeing, fishing, sailing (even building his own boats), model building, taxidermy, welding, woodworking, driving to no specific destination, acquiring a bargain, dancing, listening to tunes and sharing stories with others. He earned a pilot’s license and enjoyed letting each of his children take the yoke of the Aerocoupe.

He embraced adventure and shared this love with his children and grandchildren. He retained the ability to see the world through the lens of childhood wonder, encouraging the building of tree forts and pursuits of boundless imagination. He enjoyed sharing a joke and loved to smile. He was the man to call in any pinch- whether it was to: build a float for a parade, fix a pump, plan a roadtrip, design a home, paint a backdrop, weld a trailer or entertain at a backyard bonfire. If there was a creative endeavour that needed tackling, Jim was your man.

In partnership with his wife Fran, he created his own home construction company, Shurlock Homes. This became another outlet for his creativity.

Jim volunteered his time at the Millbrook Penitentiary and the Lindsay East Correctional Centre where he, in partnership with his wife Fran, ministered to those who he knew needed to witness a concrete example of walking with grace.

He was a foundational member of St. Thomas More Parish. When music was needed, he learned to play the guitar. He was active in: Marriage Encounter, the Cursillo Movement.and was involved with Marriage Preparation courses for the Diocese of Peterborough. He supported the Bethany Food Bank. He was selfless, kind and generous to all. He understood that action was always part of living his faith.

His calling was fatherhood and he relished being a grandparent. John, Shea, Chloe and Jacob all benefitted from his cajoling and championing of their accomplishments.

His absence will be profound.

Visitation begins at 10:30, with a funeral mass immediately following at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains (411 Reid St.). at 11 AM, Saturday, February 14, 2026. In honour of his memory, consider endeavouring to help a stranger who quietly needs support or donating to a charity that would do the same.