James T. Ramsey, affectionately known as “Jim,” was 85 when he entered into eternal rest at home, surrounded by his family, on Monday, April 8, 2024. He was born on May 28, 1938, in Rowan County, N.C., to the late William H. Ramsey and Ollie Mae Fisher Ramsey. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his siblings, William H. Ramsey Jr., Arthur Ramsey, Barnie Ramsey, Charles Ramsey, Everett Ramsey, Thomas Ramsey, Mary Frances Howard and Mae Helen Kiser.

At an early age, Jim accepted Christ and became a member of Knox Grove Baptist Church in Cleveland, N.C. He later joined Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church in Statesville, N.C. Jim received his education at R.A. Clement High School in Cleveland, N.C. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He was a Mason and a former member of the American Legion Ernest Morgan Post 217 of Statesville, N.C. He continued his education at Mitchell Community College, and was a former funeral director and co-owner of Ramsey and McClelland Funeral Home. Jim was a brick mason by trade, and took pride in the fact that he helped build the first Charlotte Hornets arena.

Jim loved fishing, boating and hunting. He especially loved Deep-Sea Fishing and cheering for his favorite team, the Atlanta Braves. In his spare time, he enjoyed repairing lawn mowers and small engines. He was truly a Jack of all trades.

He leaves to cherish his memory, the love of his life of 62 years, his wife Mrs. Jo Ann Ramsey; four daughters, Sharon Ramsey Ellis of Egg Harbor Township, N.J., Teresa Ramsey Johnson (Keith) of Charlotte, N.C., Zena Ramsey and Taryn Ramsey of Statesville, N.C.; three granddaughters, Brianna Johnson and Mya’ Johnson of Charlotte, N.C., Ciniah Rosby of Statesville, N.C.; one grandson, Darius Ellis; and one great-grandson, Davian Ellis of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.; one sister, Margaret McClelland; sisters-in-law, Eddie Bell Grant and Roberta Ramsey; a special nephew that he considered a son, Michael McClelland of Statesville, N.C.; a special childhood friend, Bobby Houston of Cleveland, N.C.; and a host of nephews, nieces, church family, friends and other relatives.

Rutledge & Bigham Mortuary is serving the family.