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.
