James L. Ramsey

James L. Ramsey, 80, of Palestine, IL, died at 9:57 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. He was born December 24, 1937, the son of James V. Ramsey and Helen (Leach) Ramsey, both of whom preceded in death. He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Caitlyn Ramsey; by his brother Thomas Ramsey. He is survived by his wife, Inez (Willis) Ramsey; by his daughters & sons-in-law, Pam & Greg Robbins (Palestine, IL), Peggy & Carl Deckard (Palestine, IL), and Penny & Joe Deckard (Robinson, IL); by his son & daughter-in-law, Gary & Tammy Ramsey (Louisville, KY); by his step-daughter, Cindy & Gary Ellerman; by his 10 grandchildren, Christopher Robbins, Cory Robbins, Barrett Robbins, Marcus Deckard, Kelsey Thompson, Jared Deckard, Jacob Deckard, Jordan Deckard, Sarah Ramsey, and Christian Ramsey; by four step-grandchildren, Hayley Alton, Amanda Horst, Christopher Bechman, and Mitchell Ellerman; by 19 great-grandchildren; by 6 step-great-grandchildren; by his brother, Mickey Ramsey; as well as several nieces and nephews. Jim grew up in the Palestine area and was a standout basketball player at Palestine High School, where he graduated in 1956. He continued playing basketball in the Air Force, with whom he proudly served from 1956-1960. Back home, he went to work for Marathon, and worked his way up to foreman before retiring in 1990. Away from work, he spent a majority of his free time outside. He played a variety of sports through the years, from golf to fast-pitch men’s softball, and was even a Little League Coach for a time. An avid outdoorsman, he was known to fish and bow hunt, and was even a member of the Crawford County Archery Club. He was also a member of the Palestine Masonic Lodge #849 as well as a former member of the Palestine Fraternal Order of Eagles. He will long be remembered as a hard-working family man who gave his all for those he loved. As per his wishes, there will be no public services. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.