James T Ragland was the son of the late Thomas and Luburtha Ragland. He was born on May 10, 1946, in Florence, Alabama.

He was a graduate of Austin High School, Class of 1965. He later became a graduate of State Tech, earning his certified certificates in Professional Welding in the 1970's, then went back for his certified certificate as a Professional Truck Driver, which he retired from.

He had a great love for fishing, hunting, race cars, drag racing, and car shows and he won many trophies in local car shows.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lubertha Ragland; siblings, Cora Steiger, Ruby Williams, and Douglas Ragland; niece, Karen Pace.

Left to cherish his memory, his wife, Gertrude Washington- Ragland; sons, James (Kana) Ragland, Maurice(Sally)Ragland, and Terrence Ragland. Six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; nieces, Victoria Jones, Melissa (Greg) Glasgow, Cecelia Buckner, and Pamela Moss; sister in law, Edna Ragland; cousin, Buddy Rhodes; devoted friends, Hubert Gusby, Michael Blue. Host of other great nephews, nieces, family, and friends.