James Anthony Ratchford, age 76, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. He was born on November 6, 1940, in Gaffney, South Carolina.

As a retired Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, James had received the Air Force Commendation Medal, United States Air Force Longevity Award and ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal for 23 years of service.

James worked as an Education Supervisor and Administrative Technician in the Air Force. After retiring from the service, James worked in Security for many years in Virginia, Arizona and then Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, California.

James is survived by his brother Frank Rutherford, sister Gloria Orr and three sons Terence, Shawn and James A. Jr.; extended family in Lompoc, Octavia and Michael Despres, granddaughter Amelia Despres and Samantha Gautreutruaux; Derrick Wong, Dena Wong and Donavan Smith. He also leaves behind family in Hawaii and family in Las Vegas. He was preceded in death by his father MB James Ratchford, mother Alice Ratchford, wife Genoveva (Jeanie), brother MB James Ratchford, Jr. and sister Alice Ratchford.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 4-6 pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary Chapel. Interment will be later in Gaffney, South Carolina.