JAMES GEORGE “JIM” RAGAN

Born on August 4, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois.
Passed on December 6, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida

JAMES GEORGE “JIM” RAGAN, age 71, of Melbourne, Florida, born August 4th, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away December 6th, 2024. Jim moved to Melbourne with his family at age 13. Jim was a 1972 graduate of Eau Gallie High School.
Jim worked at Murphy Oldsmobile from 1972 to 1982. He was a lead mechanic at the Vehicle Maintenance Facility of the Melbourne post office from 1982 until his retirement in 2015.
Jim earned a photography certification from Eastern Florida State College in 2015. He was a member of the Camera Club of Brevard, having served at various times in the offices of President and Treasurer. Jim entered the club’s photograph competitions. He also photographed local events, including Melbourne High School Girls’ Soccer team from 2016 until 2022.
He taught lapidary classes and served on the board of the Canaveral Mineral and Gem Society. Jim entered into competitions for cabbing gemstones and faceting gemstones. He also made his own jewelry.
Jim volunteered at the Ascension Thrift Store in Melbourne; and the HOPE for Brevard Thrift Store and feline rescue facility.
Jim began studying martial arts in 1996. He earned his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Dan from Juko Kai International. He earned his 4th Dan from USJJF and 5th Dan from USJA. Jim joined World Kido in 2021 and was promoted to 1st Dan and 2nd Dan in Hapkido. Jim taught classes in Melbourne, attended seminars, and served as referee in tournaments across the country.
Personal activities included fishing with his son, Ken; attending concerts with wife Jannine, including photographing the performances; and going on cruises with friends and family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Jannine Berman-Ragan; son Ken (Melissa); sister Mary Kerrigan; brother George Ragan; nieces Laura (Jim) Williams, Theresa (Leo) Chau, Margaret Dunlap and Susan Kerrigan; brother-in-law Leslie (Dorothy) Berman; many other beloved family members and friends; and their 2 cats, Pierre and Whiskers.
Family and friends may gather on Monday, January 13, between 10am and 11am, at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne; live-streamed service at 11am on Brownlie-Maxwell Facebook page . A graveside service will follow at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 U.S. 1 South, Rockledge. Reception to follow the burial.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to HOPE for Brevard Feline Rescue (www.hopeforbrevard.com/donate) in Jim’s memory.

14 entries.

Linda Lanza from Melbourne wrote on January 3, 2025:

Jim we will surely miss you 😢

Michael Piaser from Fort myers wrote on January 3, 2025:

Already missing Jim. I traveled and refereed with Jim. Great guy

Amanda Peck from Melbourne wrote on January 2, 2025:

Jim was always kind , helpful and funny. His numerous activities always kept him busy but he always had time to help with anything we needed at the HOPE rescue. He never hesitated to help when something was needed and was always supportive and an absolute pleasure to be around. I enjoyed watching him and his wife Jannine banter together , they were always a team. I wish that I got to spend more time with him - I miss seeing him in his hawaiian shirts , walking around with his camera. Talking about what jewelry he was making or concerts they were going to see. He was so special , and is deeply missed. My condolences are with his family and friends - he was so so loved and adored.

John Newton from Indialantic wrote on January 2, 2025:

I will miss my "Warrior Buddy"... Thank you for 30 great years together. Your spirit will be with us always... Sensei John

Courtney Smith from Dayton wrote on January 1, 2025:

I'm deeply saddened by this and am sending lots of love to Jannine and family. You two were encouraging to me and brought wonderful memories during our virtual time during the pandemic. Seeing the two of you trying something new together and crafting made my heart happy to witness. He will be very missed 🫂 My deepest condolences, my friend. Courtney Smith

J.lamarr cox from Melbourne wrote on January 1, 2025:

He was such a nice easy going guy. Prayers for Jan and all family members.

Debbie & Steven kempler from Melbourne wrote on January 1, 2025:

Jan our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved husband (Jim). He was a wonderful, kind person & he will live on in the hearts of all he knew. May you & your family find comfort & strength during this difficult time. Debbie & Steven

David and Tracey Elliott from Grayson wrote on January 1, 2025:

We are sorry to hear of your loss. James made an impact on us the first time we met you and him. He had a shirt on with guitars and even offered the Moody Blues drum sticks he was given. We are praying for you and the family for such a tragic loss. He will be missed.

Gaby Dwyer from Melbourne Beach wrote on December 31, 2024:

Dear Janine & Family, On behalf of the Dwyer family I would like send our condolences. So sorry to hear of James passing. Our daughter Rylee plays soccer at Mel. High. We met you both at the playoffs in Martin county and really enjoyed hanging out with you both. James photos are appreciated by so many.!! He was an amazing photographer! Rest in Peace James. Sincerely, Gaby, Michael, Rylee & Casey

Peter Indorf from W Melbourne wrote on December 31, 2024:

lJim will be deeply missed by his friends in the Canaveral Gem & Mineral Club and the Camera Club of Brevard, where he was an active and cherished member of both. His excitement and passion for sharing his latest jewelry creations or photographs always brought a spark to any conversation. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his creativity was truly inspiring. Jim’s presence will forever be remembered and greatly missed.

Elizabeth Cooper from Nescopeck wrote on December 31, 2024:

Jim will be missed. God bless.

Jan Sellers Weber from Satellite Beach wrote on December 31, 2024:

What an amazing friend Jim was! Met him in Jr High and continued our journey through high school. Jim was in the Melbourne Jaycees with me after high school. He was kind, generous, helpful and talented. So glad I had dinner with him and caught up just before he passed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of sorrow ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻 He will be missed by many. Rest in peace sweet James🙏🏻

Cindy Sheets Flowers from St Cloud wrote on December 31, 2024:

So sorry to hear of James passing we at EGHS are loosing so many of our classmates Way to soon Thoughts and Prayers are with his Family and Friends Sincerely Cindy Sheets Flowers

Melissa Horan from Melbourne wrote on December 31, 2024:

If we all had the same “heart of a volunteer” as Jim the world would be a much better place. Jim “Boss” you will be missed in countless different ways , your humor, your talents ,and your gift of bringing people together will be those most deeply felt. Our condolences for Jannine and family, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Horan..