Jim Ragona

James (Jim/Jimmy/Jimbo) F. Ragona, 72, of Indianapolis Indiana, peacefully passed away on February 29^th, 2024.

Jim was born in Ohio in 1951 to James and Betty Ragona. He joined the Ohio National Guard on November 17, 1970, where he served 6 years. He met the love of his life, Barbara (Barb) at the county fair in 1973 where he was running the recruiting booth for the national guard, and Barb was running the dunk tank booth next to it. They started dating in August 1973 and wed that next year on August 8, 1974.

Jim had a way about him that left a lasting impression on everyone he met, developing friendships with everyone. He participated in the community in many ways and transferred his sense of community for those around him by direct example. Jim loved to coach softball for his daughter and the community at the Franklin Township Softball League, umpired softball at various other softball leagues and participated in Cub and Boy Scouts with his son Vince.

His interests included Auto Racing, Cars, and History. Many years he attended one or more of the various races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His love of cars was best demonstrated with the large smile on his face whenever he was able to drive his Orange (his favorite color) 2009 Miata. He was a passionate fan of the Colts; if only they had let him coach, they would have many more than the one Indianapolis Superbowl Championship.

Jim worked for years as a salesman; he was very proud of his years of direct sales experience that grew into his passion for working in the vehicle repair industry as a service advisor. He always tried to take care of the customer with a noticeable soft spot in his heart for those in need. Jim loved to visit with his family and could always be enticed to visit with promises of a great meal, conversation, and a tasty dessert. When it came to decision making, Jim loved to ‘play it by ear’ or would regularly contemplate whether he was ‘ready to pull the trigger’. Jim would regularly strike up a conversation with others using his knowledge of history, including military and food, to enlighten others with facts about different things. He always shared that if he could ‘do it again’, he would become a history teacher.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara Ragona (Webber) and is survived by his children Maria L. Beattey (Justin Beattey) and Vincent J. Ragona (Bobi Ragona). Jim has five (5) grandchildren, Maddalynn (Maddie) and Josslynn Beattey, Samson Gilliland, Lena and Tommy Ragona.

Jim’s showing and funeral will be held Saturday, March 9^th, 2024, at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory. Located at 5950 E. Thompson Road, Indianapolis IN 46237. The showing will be from 11am-1pm with the funeral immediately following. After the service there will be A Celebration of Life at the clubhouse for Carriage Courts community (located at the corner of S. Arlington Avenue and Timberlake Blvd.). Jim will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Barb, at Concordia Cemetery (2703 S Meridian Street) on a future date. Donations to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Jim’s name would be greatly appreciated.

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