James Oliver Baratta

GYSGT James Oliver Baratta, USMC Ret. died suddenly of cardiac arrest on Saturday, August 26, 2006, at Liberty Valley Speedway in Danville, PA. "Jim" was born November 5, 1948, in Albany, New York, to the late Vincent James and Pearl Mae (Moran) Baratta. At the age of two, he moved with his family to Phoenix, Arizona which he always considered "home." In 1967, Jim joined the United States Marine Corps and spent the next 26 years serving his country. In addition to his many accomplishments with the Marines, he was awarded the Purple Heart in 1968 during his tour of duty in Vietnam. Other duty assignments sent him and his family to Japan, Hawaii, Chad, El Toro, CA, and finally, Omaha, NE. In 1997, Jim retired from the Marine Corps and later moved his family to Ashburn, VA where he happily and passionately turned his attention to the troops at home, raising his daughters, supporting his wife in her busy career, and most recently, with extreme pride and delight, acting as "nanny" to his seven month old grandson. In addition to his love of family, and The Corps, retirement afforded Jim the opportunity to pursue his avocations which included radio control race cars and NASCAR. He was an avid fan of the 24 car. Jim's memory is cherished by his survivors which include his beloved wife of 23 years, Kathleen Kane Baratta, of Ashburn; his devoted daughters, Lisa Marie of Los Angeles, CA, Megan Elizabeth, and Therese Erin both of Ashburn, and his precious grandson Mason Vincent; his sisters, Rosemarie McBride of Prescott, AZ, and Delores Faul and her husband Frank of Las Vegas, NV, and his brother, Frank of Phoenix, AZ. Also surviving are his mother-in-law Margaret Kane, of Charlottesville, VA; and his wife's siblings, Gerry and Susan Kane, and Peter and Therese Titus, all of Earlysville, VA, and Tom and Lisa Kane of Ruckersville, VA, and a platoon of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to all of Jim's friends at the Liberty Valley Speedway, and most supportive neighbors for their care and concern. Family and friends may call on Thursday, August 31st, from 6-8 PM at the Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg, VA, where funeral services will be held on Friday, September 1st at 4 PM. Burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Friends and family are encouraged to make contributions in GYSGT James O. Baratta's memory to The American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.