
Jim Ragland was an enthusiastic and engaging teacher, with good guidance for this young man looking for help in his academic career. We were always on a friendly basis. Although I decided not to pursue studies in theater, his help was nevertheless very important in my becoming able to make mature decisions about my future. Thank you, Jim, for all your help, and for showing me how to enjoy acting and getting around in a new and exciting world.



Yes to what everyone else says!  Teacher, director, friend - beginning in '67.     Then loved "the Raglands" together!  We lived a few blocks away in N.O. when Pat and I had baby boys within a few months of each other but I was in Germany when their #1 came. Then when #2 arrived, I went to the hospital to visit and stood outside the nursery with Jim marveling at the size of his newborn!!! (I always called him Mr. Ragland!)  Then "lost" them when they left Mandeville and forever wished I could locate them. I should have gone to the Gilmer connection 'cause he was always making cracks about beautiful, downtown Gilmer.     To the family:  For old friends who didn't know that Pat was already gone, Mr. R's obituary in the New Orleans paper brought double sadness. But the memories are double warm!



I was a student of Mr. Ragland's at LSUNO from 1965-70. He was one of the warmest and kindest and inspiring human beings I've ever known. He was a teacher, a friend, and a mentor.  Taylor Brooks



Jim's loss is sadness for so many of us in New Orleans (especially at St. Charles Ave. Baptist).  I cherish bright memories of this intelligent, talented and sensitive man.  He and Pat taught us much about love and life, fully lived.



I first met Jim and Pat in the mid 70's when they began teaching a singles class at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church.  They were a wonderful couple and invited the class often to their beautiful home for parties, especially at Christmas.  Jim's wry humor and Pat's great hospitality were a winning combination.  They were greatly missed when they moved to Texas, but I always enjoyed getting Jim's yearly Christmas poems.  I know he doted on his grand-daughter, who brought great joy to his last years.  My deepest sympathy to Barclay and Madison.



Jim Ragland was an infectiously enthusiastic theatre professor who was one of the high spirits of the Drama Department at the University of New Orleans. I was there during his heyday, and in both his classes and theatre productions I never failed to be entertained and enriched by his understanding of that art. It hurts to think that he's not around in person, but I'll never forget his brightness and personality.    Tastefully yours,  Tom Fitzmorris



Condolences to the family from an old friend from Jim's days at UNO. My late husband, Vern, was in the English Department from 1963-1989.    Ann Torczon.



Jim, it was pure delight to know you and Pat. Mom and I treasure our memories of your wit, knowledge, intellect, and compassion, and the adventures we shared when y'all lived here in Louisiana. We will especially miss your wonderful Christmas cards. We will grieve the loss of your presence in our lives, for you and Pat enriched us. Thank you both for being our dear friends.



I was a student in drama at UNO when Mr. Ragland taught there (68-71).  I acted in "A Tree Fell in the Forest" while in high school. It was a project of a student of his, and was performed with our MYF group at Munholland Methodist Church.  I only had one class with Mr. Ragland ~ play writing ~ which I was dismal in.  I loved your dad's humor and sweetness.  I was very happy for him when he married your mom.  They were a darling couple together.  So sorry to hear of her passing also.  God bless you fellas. ~Patti Christopher



Mr. Ragland was one of the greatest professors at UNO. I enjoyed all of his classes, he made them interesting and fun. He really raved about some masks designs that I did and I never forgot that. He will truly be missed by all of his past drama students. He was a terrific person.



My heartfelt condolences to the family.  Barclay and Madison, your Dad will be sorely missed. I'm left with some great memories of Marilyn Dr. and the numerous trips we all made to UNO theater together.



Dear Jamie,    We love you...love your writing...love the joy and richness you brought to our lives for having known you.



Jim was a dear friend who we loved to work with and visit with.  His wit and ability to tell stories as well as his  sense of humor were a rare treat for our whole family.  We feel a personal loss and extend our love and sympathy to the entire Ragland family.



Jim was certainly one of a kind. We had only known him since he and Pat joined University Baptist in Austin, but Jim was the type whom one could immediately feel close to. He was so talented, smart and funny. What great times we had at church. I learned that my father, Robert Sprouse, knew Jim when they were children in Gilmer [my dad grew up mostly in Pittsburg]. He was such a special soul, and so kind always to all the children of our church. We will surely miss him.



Our most sincere condolences on your loss.  Mary Ann and Sarah, Buzz was always full of laughter and joy.  We used to come to Dallas to the orthodontist once a month for two years during my high school days.  We always had a ball!To Barclay and Madison, we know you will have a gaping hole in your lives.....but, just think of the reunion we will all have one day in heaven!  Bless you and your families!  We will all miss him...even though it is more in memories for us.  Lena & Bill Douphrate


OBITUARY

James M. Ragland

April 14, 1935 – February 20, 2008

Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

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