James “Jim” Ragno, 71, of South Mountain, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Mercy House in Chambersburg, PA. He enjoyed precious time with family and friends during the previous ten days. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Opal (Sines) Ragno, and his brother, Joseph Ragno.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah (Guarino) Ragno, and their children Christina Embree (Luke Embree), Joshua Ragno (Erica Ragno), Andrew Ragno, and Joanna Illo (Brandon Illo), and his brother, Gene Sines. He was a devoted PopPop to Hannah, Naomi, and Caleb Embree, Carter and Kai Ragno, Joseph Ragno, and Micah, Ben, Jacob, and Bethany Illo.
Born on April 20, 1953, in Baltimore, Jim attended The John Carroll School in Bel Air, MD, where he excelled in lacrosse, football, and basketball as well as academics. His passion for serving the Lord led him to pastor several congregations, including Susquehanna Christian Fellowship, New Baltimore Church of God, Lion of Judah Congregation, and Fellowship of Believers.
In his free time, Jim enjoyed golfing at the South Mountain Golf Course, worshiping with his guitar, cheering for the Baltimore Orioles, and savoring Maryland blue crabs and Arturo’s pizza. His love for animals, especially his dog, Lady, and cat, Kitty, was evident to all who knew him. His favorite place to visit was Blackwater Falls in West Virginia where his mother grew up.
Jim will be remembered for his faith, his love for family, and his infectious laugh. His legacy as pastor, father, husband, and friend will continue to impact those who had the opportunity to know him.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in South Mountain Bible Church, 11275 South Mountain Road, Fayetteville, PA with his son-in-law, Pastor Luke Embree officiating. Burial will follow in Strang’s Cemetery, South Mountain. Dress casual!
The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Tuesday evening, in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy House of Chambersburg, 730 Norland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201 (https://mercyhouseofchambersburg.org/) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) in Jim’s memory.
