Dr. James Edwin “Jim” Ratliff, age 83, of Elkhorn City, KY., passed from this life December 7, 2024. Jim was born in Princeton, WV. to mother, Lillie “Chick” Potter Grundman and father, Hertaux Ratliff. Jim was raised by his grandparents, Mella (Little) Ratliff and James Harrison Ratliff.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James Harrison and Mellie (Little) Ratliff; parents, Chick (Potter) Grundman and Hertaux Ratliff; as well as his daughter, Beth (Ratliff) Venable.
Jim is survived by his wife, Shirley, loving children, Dr. Jimmy Ratliff. Michael Todd Ratliff and daughter, Tammy Messer. Grandchildren, Jacob and Ellie Messer, Katie, Mikie, Gabriel, Scar Venable, and Harper Elizabeth. Jim is also survived by a large loving host of family and friends.
The family accepted friends at the First Baptist Church for a Life Celebration, located at 126 4th St, Pikeville, KY 41501, Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM with services immediately following visitation at 1:00 PM.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donation may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 1111B Louisville Road Frankfort, KY 40601.
Thacker Memorial Funeral Home extends our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. James E. Ratliff. All arrangements are under the direction of Thacker Memorial Funeral Home of Pikeville, KY.
www.thackermemorial.com
Eulogy
Dr. James Edwin Ratliff, (Jim)
Jim was born in Princeton West Virginia on January 22, 1941. His parents were Lillie Marie (Chick) Potter Grundman, mother, and father Hertaux Ratliff. Jim was raised by his grandparents Mellie (Little) Ratliff and James Harrison Ratliff at Poor Bottom Kentucky.
Jim graduated from Hellier High School in 1959, and attended Pikeville College immediately after graduation, then transferring to the University of Louisville, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1962. On January 26, 1962 Jim married Shirley Ellen Hamlin of Wolfe Pit, Kentucky. After seeing her for the first time in the Hellier high school gymnasium, he went home and told his grandmother he had seen the girl he was going to marry. He was right, the two married in 1962, and have remained steadfast and true until this day. In 1966, he graduated from the University of Louisville School of dentistry with his doctorate in dental medicine. That same year, 1966 Jim was drafted into the United States Army and was deployed to Viet Nam. The couple also welcomed the birth of the first of four children in 1966, Tammy. Jim was a devout patriot and served three years in the military. During this time, came the birth of their second child, Jimmy in 1968. After his discharge from the service, he and his family settled in Salyersville, Kentucky (Magoffin County), where he practiced dentistry from 1969-2006. Magoffin county folks hold a special in his heart. This is where Mikie and Beth were born in 1971 and 1973. All their children attended school there, and called Salyersville home.
In the community Jim served on the board of directors for the Magoffin county health department. He was a member and deacon of the Salyersville Christian church. An avid supporter of the University of Louisville college alumni program, he was the secretary/treasurer for the Kentucky Mountain dental society for over 25 years, a lifetime member of the Kentucky Dental association, and the American Dental association.
After retiring, Jim and Shirley moved from Salyersville to Poor Bottom, back to his homeplace where he continued to serve as deacon and member of the Pikeville First Baptist church, and Co-Ed Sunday school teacher. Jim was also active with vacation bible school, and a member of the “Jolly Bunch” in which he was the designated bus driver for many excursions. He and Shirley are faithful contributors to the backpack program, as well as the Disabled American veterans.
Moving back to his homeplace in Pike County with his wife is where he felt at complete peace, as you would see him taking daily walks with his dogs, and taking care of the grounds, keeping them immaculate. He annually planted his garden by the yard, fighting with critters and elements to get a good crop. He kept the weeds at bay doing his weekly weed eating and mowing the rolling lawn that he pampered with care.
Jim is preceded in death by his grandparents, James Harrison and Mellie Ratliff, parents, Chick Potter Grundman and Hertaux Ratliff, one daughter, Mellie Elizabeth Ratliff Venable, and special family members Louise Hampton, (Lou Lou), and Christina Renee Batts.
Jim is survived by his wife, Shirley Ellen Hamlin Ratliff
Three children
Tametha Lee Ratliff Messer, husband Jeffery
James Edwin Ratliff II, wife BethAnn
Michael Todd Ratliff, partner Christina (deceased)
Eight grandchildren
Jacob Harrison Messer
Elizabeth Ellen Messer
Katherine Louise Venable
Charles Michael Venable II
Gabriel Luke Venable
Scarborough Ashneck Venable
Matiyos Michiya Venable
Harper Elizabeth Ratlilff
One great grandson
Harrison Gaines Messer
Two sisters
Pamela Rose Grundman Cottongim, partner Sue
Patricia Lynn Grundman Petty, husband Ron
Two nieces
Erin Sluder, husband Brian
Abby Carleton, husband Matt
One nephew
Craig Cottongim, wife Jenny
And a host of cousins, friends, and family
