| Graduation Year | Class of 1939 |
| Date of Passing | Mar 11, 2011 |
| About | We lost another member of the Greatest Generation when James Francis Ravenscraft, age ninety, went home to be with his Lord on March 11, 2011. He passed peacefully under hospice care at Destin Healthcare and Rehab Center in Destin, Florida. He was born on March 9, 1921, to William and Mary Ravenscraft in Rushville, Indiana. As a 1939 graduate of Rushville High School, he lived in the city of Rushville, which he loved, for the majority of his life. He lived in Ohio for three years employed by Cincinnati Tool and Dye Company before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1942. He proudly served during World War II, fighting many battles in the South Pacific and lived his entire life honorably by the motto, "Semper Fi!" Following the war, he and the love of his life, Billea, began a lifelong love and service to Rushville. Joining the Rushville Police Department was a highlight in his life and becoming Police Chief was the ultimate achievement. The love of his hometown and the people in it made him humble, grateful and committed to the city's safety and wellbeing. He continually strived to be the best officer he could be and pursued every avenue of continuing education he could. The highest pursuit was being selected to attend the FBI National Academy in Washington, DC. With the months of intensive study, he felt that the knowledge he brought home to his local department was invaluable to his fellow officers and the city. Following his retirement from the Police Department, he and his son-in-law, Robert C. Gaines, Jr., purchased Moormann Bros. Manufacturing Company in Rushville. With his background in tool and dye machinery the company thrived and continues to do so today. The company is still in operation with Robert C. Gaines, Jr. and Jamey L. Gaines as owners and Jim's grandson, Robert C. Gaines, III (Charlie) as general manager. The devotion he held for his hometown lead him to be a member of many community organizations. The Rushville Elks, Fraternal Order of Police, Masonic Lodge, VFW, Eagles, American Legion, and HSUR and Murat Shrine Club just to name of few. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and a church elder. Preceding him in death were his parents and two year old sister, Ida Vivian. His beloved wife of 33 years, Billea, died in 1979. In 1980, he married Jeanetta Florine Emerick and she also preceded him in death in 1996. He is survived by his brother, William Ravenscaft of Anderson, IN, and three children: Terrence W. Ravenscraft of Charlotte, NC and former daughter-in-law Kathy Ravenscraft of Atlanta, GA; Susan Fennelly of Crestview, FL; and Jamey L. Gaines and husband Robert C. Gaines, Jr. of Freeport, FL. He leaves behind granddaughters Dawn (Anthony) White and great-grandson Zachary of Spring Hill, FL; Jamie (Aaron) Ravenscraft-Cobb and great-grandsons, Zeke and Toby, of Atlanta, GA; Kimberly (Rene) St.Pierre and great-granddaughter, Sydney James of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; and grandson, Robert C. Gaines, III, of McCordsville, IN In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind his wonderful friend and companion, Janice Tressler of Rushville, IN. A memorial service in celebration of James' life will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at Trinity Presbyterian Church with graveside military honors following at East Hill Cemetery in Rushville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church in Rushville, or to the Rushville Police Department Donation Fund for the DARE Program (c/o Rushville Police Department, 270 West 15th Street, Rushville, IN 46173). |
