James L. Ramsey, age 90, of Brunswick and Brooks, Ga. died peacefully early the morning of December 23, 2014 at Hospice of the Golden Isles after a short illness.
James was a native of Bacon Co. and born on Feb.14, 1924, the son of the late William and Myrta Clements Ramsey. After graduating from Bacon High School, James joined the First Marine Corps during World War II in 1943. He was sent to Parris Island then the Pacific Theater from New Caledonia to Okinawa. He was an automatic rifleman carrying an 18-pound gun and was nearly wounded during battle in Peleliu when a Japanese bullet tore through his shirtsleeve. He was not so lucky during the invasion of Okinawa where he suffered a shrapnel wound to the head.
With the Japanese surrender and end of the war he was sent to northern China where Marines kept a port open as well as the railroad. James was discharged in 1946 and awarded a Purple Heart. After the war he married his first wife, Margaret Abbott, and had a daughter, Amy. He and Margaret traveled extensively and he worked for Eastern Air Lines where he retired after 30 years of service. He was a lifelong member of Methodist Churches and a Life Member of the Griffin Marine League. Margaret preceded him in death.
He is survived by his loving second wife, Virginia Ramsey, and daughter Amy Parker of Conyers. Also Virginia’s children Buzzy Ramsey, Cathy Nix (Paul), Flo Bliss (Tom), and grandchildren Ashby Nix, Justin Nix, Rebecca Bliss (Mason), Thomas Bliss (Jenna), Matthew Bliss and Shelby Ramsey.
Visitation and a memorial service for Mr. James L. Ramsey was held on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at the Providence United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Ga., followed by interment at Sherwood Memorial Park with military honors provided by the Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Providence United Methodist Church in Fayetteville or to First United Methodist Church in Brunswick in memory of Mr. James L. Ramsey.
Please join the family in honoring the life of James L. Ramsey by visiting www.conner-westburyfuneral home.com and posting your tributes and memories.
Conner-Westbury Funeral Home
1891 West McIntosh Road, Griffin, Ga.
