James Ramey

James O. Ramey, 93, passed in San Diego, CA on May 26, 2024. Preceded in death by his wife Marilyn (Wagner) Ramey and survived by sons Steven and Garry Ramey, grandchildren Shane and Megan Ramey, all also of San Diego, CA.

"Little Jimmy" was born in Huntington, West Virginia on March 11, 1931. Growing up in a Navy family, James lived in West Virginia, California, and Ohio. He attended Mercersburg Academy following high school and joined the Air Force in 1950.

He had many adventures in the Air Force including being stationed in Thule Greenland to monitor Soviet Union air threats early in the Cold War. James was an American Legion lifetime member.

He returned to Huntington after the service and attended Marshall College (now Marshall University) on the G.I. bill. James joined the TKE Fraternity where he made great lifelong friends, some of which he kept in contact with up until his passing.

James moved to San Francisco with friends in 1963 where he would meet his future wife. He married Marilyn in 1965 and they lived in San Francisco, New York, and Sarasota, FL, before settling in San Diego in 1969 to be closer to family and enjoy nicer weather. James worked for the County of San Diego from the early 70's until retiring.

He enjoyed camping with his family including annual trips to Lake Powell, made from the mid-70's through the 2010's. James and Marilyn were longtime Chargers fans with season tickets for over 40 years. They traveled to Miami to see the Chargers play in Super Bowl 29. James was an avid reader. James liked dogs and they had a number of great dog companions over the years.

After retiring from the County, he and Marilyn purchased a Lazy Daze motorhome and had many wonderful adventures with the Lazy Daze Caravan Club for 20 years before Marilyn's passing.

During his retirement he took an interest in genealogy and did extensive research on his family tree. This sometimes led him to contact newfound relatives or reach out to relatives with whom he had lost touch.

James led an adventurous life, had an amazing memory, and enjoyed telling stories about those adventures. James kept his sense of humor throughout his life. He will be missed by many.

A service will be held at Miramar National Cemetery on July 26, 2024 at 1:00 PM followed by a gathering of family and friends, all are welcome.