Funeral service for CSM (Retired) James D. Ratliff will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2019 in First Baptist Church with Dr. Patrick Latham, Pastor officiating.

Entombment with full military honors will follow in the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum at Sunset Memorial Gardens under direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends from 5-7 pm Monday, December 2, 2019 at the funeral home.

CSM (Retired) James D. Ratliff died Sunday, November 24, 2019 in Lawton at the age of 91.  He was born May 24, 1928 in San Antonio, Texas to Otis W. and Mabel M. Ratliff.  He lived in Westville, Oklahoma and Checotah, Oklahoma until 1940.  He moved to Tulsa and was a 1945 graduate of Tulsa Central High School.  He later graduated from the University of Tulsa with an associate's degree in 1950.

Jim was employed by McKesson Robbins as a salesman and pharmaceutical buyer prior to entering the military in 1953.  He served three tours in Korea, three tours in Japan, one tour in Okinawa and two tours in Vietnam.  He married Koto Ochiai on November 24, 1958 in Yokohama, Japan.

He retired from the Army in 1983 with 30 years of service.  His awards include the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with first oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with first oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal with second oak leaf cluster, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with palm second award, Bronze Star Medal with first oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with second oak leaf cluster, Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal tenth award, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (4), Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge for both pistol and M16 and the Legion of Merit.

Following his retirement from the Army he worked until 1993 for American National Bank as a collections officer.  He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday school Department Director for 12 years and the Greeter Coordinator for 21 years.  He was a member of the Eastside Optimist Club, the Association of Military Comptrollers and AARP.

He is survived by his wife, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Wendi Ratliff, Lawton and Joe and Stephanie Ratliff, Hawaii; five grandchildren, Styles, Shandee and Sierra Ratliff and Chance and Cole Ratliff; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

His parents, brother, David, and sister, Sarah, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Builders, 501 SW B Avenue, Lawton, Oklahoma 73501.