James David ‘Jimmy’ Ratigan
James David “Jimmy” Ratigan, 67, passed from this life with the hope of entering eternal life on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, at his home in Bundyville. After a courageous battle with COPD, he took his last breath on earth and hoped to quickly gain eternal breath in heaven with Our Lord and His Saints. Let us all pray that thus it may be!
Jimmy was born in Lake Placid on Jan. 21, 1952, a child of Frank and Margaret (Ryan) Ratigan. The family moved to Saranac Lake in 1954, and Jimmy attended St. Bernard’s Elementary and Pope St. Pius X High School, graduating in 1969.
After graduation, Jimmy entered the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served in the engine rooms of aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines. Following his discharge in 1978, he continued his career in the nuclear power industry, attaining his senior reactor operator license, ultimately serving as control room supervisor at the Entergy Nuclear Plant in Oswego, retiring in 2004.
While in Oswego, he met the love of his life, Mary Frances Donovan, with whom he entered the sacred covenant of Matrimony in 1990 at Mary Fran’s home parish of St. Mary’s in Oswego. They truly enjoyed 19 years of marriage until Mary Fran’s untimely death at the age of 57 in 2009.
Jimmy continued his education while working. He attended Clarkson University in Potsdam, eventually transferring his credits and receiving his BA from Syracuse University in 1995 and his MBA from Syracuse University in 2000.
Just last month Jimmy was able to celebrate his 50th high school reunion, where he greatly enjoyed renewing friendships and sharing his humor and upbeat personality with everyone. A good time was had by all!
Jimmy is survived by his siblings Mary Redlin of Greece, New York, Peggy of Saranac Lake, John (Milica) of Irishtown; Billy of Bellingham, Washington; Tommy (Nancy) of Saranac Lake; and the Rev. Patrick A. “Pat Andy” of Hannawa Falls. He is also survived by his stepmother Dorothy and his half-brothers Michael, Stephen and Paul. Nieces and nephews include Tracy, Christopher, Dylan, Deidre, Victoria, Derek and Cassandra. Mary Fran’s side of the family were very much a part of his family, and they include James (Theresa) Donovan, Peter (Rose) Donovan and Nancy (Ron) Knight as well as nieces and nephews Ellen, Jamie, Patrick Stoie, Maggie, MoMo and Clare.
The majority of Jimmy and Mary Fran’s earthly possessions will pass to support the ministry of Unity Acres in Orwell, a men’s homeless shelter that was dear to their hearts. This is truly a testament to their faith and love of God and neighbor, especially the downtrodden. Might we all imitate this love and dedication.
Memorial contributions in Jimmy (and Mary Fran’s) memory may be made to Unity Acres, 2290 County Route 2, Orwell, NY 13426; or St. Bernard’s School, 63 River St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983.
Jimmy (and Mary Fran) loved the traditional Latin Mass and regularly attended it in Oswego and Syracuse. At Jimmy’s request, there will be no calling hours, and his Funeral Mass will be a Requiem High Mass in the Extraordinary Form at St. Mary’s Church, 103 West 7th St, Oswego, NY 13126, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019. The burial will follow at the convenience of the family in St. Paul’s Cemetery, alongside his wife in the Donovan family plot.
Arrangements are by the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home of Oswego.