Jim Ratcliffe passed away surrounded by loved ones listening to his favorite tunes from The Grateful Dead. Jim lived a fascinating life sailing around the world countless times, first when joining the Navy after graduating from Newtown High School in 1969 and then as a merchant marine for over 45 years. For the majority of that time,he was the Chief Engineer of The Zeus until he retired in 2019. In his free time, he stayed busy welding, chopping wood for his wood stove or tending to his sanctuary which was his childhood home. He is survived by his siblings John Ratcliffe of Cocoa Beach, FL, Eileen Ratcliffe of Southbury, CT; his Nieces and Nephews Sam & Cathie Saxton of Pawleys Island, SC, Jason Saxton of Watertown, CT, James & Jessie Elliott of Roslindale, MA, Lindsay Ratcliffe of Atlanta, GA; and his Great Niece and Great Nephews Zach Saxton of Gafney, SC, Josephine "Liv" Elliott of Roslindale, MA and Jasper Elliott of Roslindale, MA. "Captain" Jim may you be blessed with fair winds and following seas as you embark on this next voyage.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking if you wish to donate to the following:

Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England (SBAGNE)

P.O. Box 681, Natick, MA 01760

Tel: 888.479.1900

Web: https://sbagreaterne.org

Wounded Warrior Project

7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville FL 32256

Tel: 1-877-832-6997

Web: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/