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.

He was born April 6, 1922, in Checotah, Okla., to the late Robert Taylor and Naomi Pence Ramsey.

As a child he moved to Cleveland. He was of the Baptist faith, accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at age 20. He had 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. His fiddle playing is even recognized in the Smithsonian Institute, where he is pictured with champion fiddle player Jack Weeks. He was a well-known, longtime gospel, bluegrass, and country musician, playing with numerous local groups and various events. During his musical career he co-founded "Joy Makers,” and they enjoyed playing in local nursing homes and churches.

He served his country in the U.S. 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, he was 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 an infant sister, Clara Ramsey.

He 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 Calhou; 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; brother, Joe Billy Ramsey, and his wife, Elizabeth, of Pace Fla.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 30, 2012, at the Clingan Ridge Baptist Church located at 2412 Georgetown Road, Cleveland.

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 this evening from 4 to 9 p.m.

The body will also lie in repose one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service time on Monday.

You can share your memories of Jim and/or share your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial guest book at www.companionfunerals.com.

Companion Funeral and Cremation Service of Cleveland was honored to assist the Ramsey family with these arrangements.