Married Nov. 15, 1942∼James Lafayette Ramsey, 90, a longtime resident of Cleveland went to be with his Lord on Thursday, April 26, 2012 in a local health care facility.

Jim was born April 6, 1922 in Checotah, Oklahoma to the late Robert Taylor and Naomi Pence Ramsey. As a child he moved to Cleveland, TN. He was of the Baptist faith, accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at age 20. Jim has been a longtime devoted member of Clingan Ridge Baptist Church and was currently a member of Phillipi Baptist Church. He spent a lot of time playing the fiddle in churches as well. His fiddle playing is even recognized in the Smithsonian Institute, where he is pictured with Champion Fiddle Player, Jack Weeks. Jim was a well known and long time gospel, bluegrass, and country musician, playing with numerous local groups and various events. During his musical career he co-founded "Joy Makers." They enjoyed playing in local nursing homes and churches.

Jim served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He was retired from Bowater after 33 years of service. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. In addition to his parents Jim is preceded in death by a special grandson, Ryan Ramsey who shared the same love of music that his Papaw did. Brothers: Carl Ramsey, Waymond Ramey, and Clarence Ramsey. Sisters: Clora Lankford, Ruth Smith, Fannie Smith, Rosalie Miller, Ada Mae Murray and infant sister, Clara Ramsey. Jim leaves here to cherish his memory, Carrie Lee Evrett Ramsey, his beloved wife of 69 years, son Kenneth R. Ramsey, and his wife Renee of Calhoun, daughters, Janice Jones, and her husband Mark of Knoxville, Libby Green, and her husband Billy of Cleveland. Grandchildren: Heather Cox, and her husband Dominique, Brandon Jones, and his wife Leah, Drew Jones, Haylie Green and Alex Green, Ryan Adams, and his wife Amy and Tyler Adams. Great grandchildren: Kaylyn Cox, Kendrick Cox and Aiden Jones. One brother, Joe Billy Ramsey, and his wife Elizabeth of Pace FL.

The funeral service will be Monday, April 30th at 11:00 am at the Clingan Ridge Baptist Church located at 2412 Georgetown Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311. Interment will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery with Billy Green, Brandon Jones, Drew Jones, Alex Green, Ryan Adams, Tyler Adams and Dominque Cox serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Stanley Millsaps, Joe Legg, Max Edwards, Billy Ramsey, Charles Kyle, Jerry Evrett, David Ramsey, Larry Hall and Paul Clark. The family will receive friends at Clingan Ridge Baptist Church on Sunday evening April 29th from 4:00PM - 9:00PM. The body will also lie in state one hour prior to the 11:00 AM funeral service time on Monday.