James Patrick Ragan's Obituary
James P. Ragan, “Jim” 74, passed away Monday morning, November 7, 2011 at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, Calif. Jim was born on April 14, 1937 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the proud parents of Michael and Elizabeth Ragan (both deceased). Later, Mom and Dad, Jim and his two older brothers Dick and Peter (deceased) moved to Edgemont, Washington. Jim attended Fife High School, played quarter back and punter for the football team and was a competitive swimmer and diver as well. He was a notorious practical joker! The day after his High School graduation, Jim enlisted with the USMC and was stationed in Barstow, California where he met his wife of 54 years, Arlene. Jim also played quarterback for the USMC football team and has maintained friendships to this day with several of his Corp buddies. Semper Fi .
Upon his honorable discharge from the USMC, Jim attended SBVC and also played quarter back for the football team. Thereafter he graduated with a B.S. from Loma Linda School of Physical Therapy as a Registered Physical Therapist and later became certified in Electromyography. He became the Chief Physical Therapist and Director of Rehabilitation Services at San Bernardino Community Hospital, Ballard Rehabilitation Center. In 1978 Jim started his private Physical Therapy practice in San Bernardino and teamed up with Jim Ferguson from 1995 until his retirement in 2009. Jim loved his chosen profession and sincerely cared about his patients.
Jim was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, snow skiing, camping, cycling, tennis, boating and water skiing. He cherished the camaraderie he built with his friends while enjoying these activities. Jim was always a fun man to be around. Amongst other things, he will be remembered for his practical jokes, sense of humor and his care and compassion for others, as well as his love for his dogs.
Foremost, Jim was a family man having provided for his wife and family while living in Barstow for 3 years, Colton for 8 years, San Bernardino for 22 years and then in Cherry Valley/Beaumont for 21 years. Jim worked long and hard hours to assure that his wife and family were well taken care of and that the family needs were met including providing the financial means for his son and daughter to attend college and graduate school. He was an avid enthusiast of football, particularly USC, St. Thomas Aquinas H.S., Redlands H.S. and San Bernardino Pop Warner. Jim was a devoted Catholic, attending the parishes of Holy Rosary, St. Joseph the Worker and Blessed Kateri Tekawitha. Throughout 42 years of living in the Inland Empire, Jim and Arlene devoted many hours to charitable and civic causes.
He is survived by his wife Arlene, son Patrick and his wife Julia, Grand children Rachael, Rhiannon, James-Patrick and Jake and great grandson, Tanner. Jim was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Carol Kathleen, and in honor of her memory Jim and Arlene founded “Carol’s Kitchen” to help feed and cloth the needy in the San Gorgonio Pass area.
Jim has touched the lives of many and will truly be missed. Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., November 11, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 10816 Mountain View Avenue, Loma Linda. Interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery, San Bernardino. Condolences may be sent on-line at www.bobbitchapel.com. Please, in lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to Carol’s Kitchen, Inc., P.O. Box 364, Calimesa, Ca. 92320.
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