Jim Rammage

James Albert Rammage, age 77, passed away peacefully in the early hours of May 12, 2024, at T. Boone Pickens Faith Presbyterian Hospice Center in Dallas, Texas. Jim was born on March 25, 1947, to George and Margaret Rammage in Clayton, New Mexico.

Jim (known as Albert to his siblings) grew up in Texline, Texas, briefly living on his grandfather’s remote ranch in Capulin, New Mexico, before settling in Dalhart, Texas during elementary school. In his school years, Jim excelled as an Eagle Scout, trombone player, head drum major in the band, track runner, and member of the National Honors society.  He graduated from Dalhart High School and was the first person in his family to go to college. In 1969, he graduated from North Texas State (now the University of North Texas) with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting. During college, Jim joined the United States Marine Corps and flew photographic reconnaissance missions in the RF-4B Phantom II aircraft during the Vietnam War. He eventually achieved the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged in 1976.

In June 1976, Jim met the love of his life, Mary Ann. They wasted no time getting married four short months later on October 22, 1976. Jim and Mary Ann initially lived in Connecticut. Jim had the distinction of marching and playing trombone in the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard band at President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration parade. Jim’s work prompted numerous relocations in their early married years, before spending several years in New Orleans, where they were blessed with 2 children, Kevin (1979) and Jennifer (1981). The family settled in Plano, Texas in 1982, where they lived for many years.

Jim enjoyed a long career as a Technical and Financial Consultant at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and was proud of attaining and maintaining his certification as a CPA and CMA. After an early retirement at EDS, he kept busy with various consulting positions including at Delinea and One Neck.  Jim’s philosophy was “To succeed, be twice as good as the next guy in line.”

Above all else, Jim loved spending time with his family. When his kids were young, he always volunteered to help lead their many activities with Indian Princesses, Boy Scouts, Odyssey of the Mind, and various sports teams. He enjoyed singing in the church choir, volunteering as a tutor for Project Hope, and was known for being a bit of a history buff. He enjoyed traveling, both for work and with his family, and was proud of visiting 13 countries, in addition to all 50 United States. His biggest passion later in life was woodworking, and he expertly made furniture pieces such as bed frames and coffee tables for his children that would rival anything store-bought. Over the years, Jim and Mary Ann joyously welcomed 6 grandkids, and Jim cherished his role of Grandad.

After several years of breathing issues, Jim was ultimately diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2017. He found community in joining the local PF Warriors’ support group, where he met others with similar struggles. In 2018, Jim and Mary Ann moved to Frisco, Texas, where he devoted his time studying genealogy and participating in the veterans’ club and the PF Warriors’ support group. As his health declined, he was listed at the top of the priority list for lung transplantation, and in March 2019 he received a single-lung transplant at Houston Methodist. Jim and Mary Ann lived in Houston for seven months during his recovery, where Jim was grateful to be “blessed with every breath.” While his post-transplant life was not without challenges, he always appreciated the extra 5 years the transplant allowed him before eventually succumbing to the effects of lung rejection. A loyal caretaker, Jim was a beloved husband, father, Grandad, and friend.  We will miss him dearly.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann Rammage of 47 years, son Kevin Rammage and wife Lynn from Frisco; daughter Jennifer Goodrich and husband Glenn from Austin; grandsons Owen, Tyler, Wyatt and Emmett Rammage; grandson Miles Goodrich and granddaughter Josie Goodrich; brother Joe Rammage and wife Jenna Beth, sister Beth Phillips and husband Jim, eleven nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister Winnie Hagenah and Winnie’s husband TV; his mom Margaret Rammage; his dad, George Rammage, his brother Eugene Rammage, and Eugene’s wife Elizabeth.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas.

Jim will be laid to rest with military honors at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas in a private service for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations are made to the PF Warriors group to help individuals and families affected by pulmonary fibrosis at https://pfwarriors.com/donate.