James Elkin Ragsdale was born November 13, 1926 in Stratford OK and passed from this life March 11, 2025. He was the only child of Rupird Clyde and Edna Harbison Ragsdale. He spent his formative years in Elk City, OK. Two years after the death of Rupird, just before the end of WWII, he was drafted into the Army. He was a radio operator, serving in occupied Japan. Following his service, he returned to his extended family’s home in Collinsville,TX. It was there he met Nila McCorkle. They married November 15, 1947 and left that afternoon for Oklahoma City. They built a life together that would last sixty eight years. Jim first worked for Montgomery Ward downtown in what is now The Montgomery Apartment Complex. Later he worked at the TG&Y company warehouse for many years.
Jim always wanted to be in business for himself. After vacationing in Colorado, he and Nila bought a convenience store in Southwestern Colorado near the town of Bayfield. After a move back to Texas, he installed two more convenience stores. He did most of the work himself, including plumbing and electrical, alongside his son, David. In retirement, back in Oklahoma, he resold garage and estate sale items in booths at antique and thrift shops. He had lots of fun buying and selling, well into his eighties, made a little money, and made lots of good friends.
Like so many of his generation Jim was a steadfast provider for his family, many times working full time and a part time job to provide extras for his family. He didn’t have official hobbies and his house was kind of his hobby. The family rarely hired anyone to help with repairs or renovations. He took care of the cars and house himself. During his long life, he saw many changes in the world. He was always interested in innovation and new ideas. As a boy he prepared a field behind a horse and plow. As a young adult he learned to drive the family car. He bought one of the early televisions and was one of the first in the neighborhood to have a tv with color. He kept up with the times! These last few years he was remarkably adept with his smart phone; texting and doing personal business online.
Jim didn’t grow up attending church and became a Christian when he accompanied Nila after their marriage. Not long after, he was baptized. He grew in his faith and knowledge as he studied the Bible and presented messages from the Bible for many years. They were members of Churches of Christ in every location they lived. They attended West Metro Church of Christ where he served as an Elder. He was invited to pray public prayers during services well into his nineties.
Jim was a good husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved his family and was proud of each of them. Jim was preceded in death by Nila. He is survived by daughter Donna Fossey (Steve), son David, grandchildren Nick Fossey (Benay), Katherine Fossey Loftin (Todd), and Meghan Fossey Neshev (Boris). He is also survived by four great grandchildren, Calvin Fossey, Adelaide Loftin, Audrey Loftin, and Alden Neshev.
Jim pushed himself to be active and independent as he advanced in years. After Nila’s death, he kept his own appointments, ran errands, attended family gatherings and church. He continually impressed medical staff, neighbors, and friends with memory recall at his advanced age. He enjoyed playing games at family gatherings and was especially good at Wits & Wagers. He knew a little about a lot! He always said he wanted to live as long as Moses who lived to be 120!
