Jack ‘J.R.’ or ‘Pamp’ Ratliff, 70, Pierceton, had his final Thanksgiving meal with his immediate family present on Thursday. On Friday, Nov. 28, he passed away.

Jack Ratliff was raised in Fairmount, and was the son of the late George James and the late Bonnie (Ballenger) Ratliff-Carter. Jack was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and served in the military for a total of twenty-one years. He loved his country and the American flag. He felt one of his biggest accomplishments in life was servings his country in Desert Storm while his boys went to college. Jack retired from Indiana Bell and until recently, owned Home Calls.

He was a member at Morris Chapel Church and attended North Webster United Methodist Church. He belonged to Fairmount American Legion Post 313, the Masonic Lodge 635, Elkhart DAV and Huntington VFW Jack was a graduate of Fairmount High School Class of 1961. Jack loved living on the lake, fishing, playing cards with friends, an honest round of golf and spending time in Panama City Beach, Fla. Jack always liked being in control and taking charge, but he also said, “God has a plan” and he was okay with that. He knew the songs he wanted played at his funeral, the clothes he wanted to be buried in and the pictures to be included on his tombstone. He liked to do things “his way” and would always give you his honest opinion.

Jack is survived by his wife of 50 years: Patty (Mason) Ratliff; two sons: Tony (Kathy) Ratliff, Fishers; Randy (Elizabeth) Ratliff, Greenfield; two brothers: Jim (Carol) and Rick (Sandy); step-sister: Roslyn (Bob) McCarty; step-brother: Russell (Virginia) Carter; and his seven grandchildren: Ashley, Bryce, Chase, Dory, Blake, Brooke and Bailey.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, Fairmount Chapel. A military walkthrough will be conducted at 6 p.m. and masonic services at 8 p.m. The funeral service will be at the Fairmount Chapel at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, with Byron Kaiser, Bob Daily and Holly White officiating. Military and committal services will be immediately following at Park Cemetery, Fairmount. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Memorial contributions may be made to North Webster United Methodist Church, the Fairmount Veterans Memorial or the Wounded Warrior Project in care of the funeral home.