James Matthews Ramsey

James Matthews Ramsey, 78 of West York, IL, passed away at 1:20 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday March 25th, 2015 at Union Hospital, Terre Haute, IN. Jim was born August 15, 1936 in Casey Township (Clark County, IL) to Charles R. Ramsey and Goldie Welsh Ramsey Smith. He joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Caloosahatchee during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Mt Olive Baptist Church and served as a deacon until his health declined. He worked for the Ettelbrick Shoe Co from 1959 until 1971. He was employed by the State Highway Department from 1971 to December 31, 1997. He married Vera Gayle Cannady on Oct. 23, 1960, and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, James William 'Jay' Ramsey and wife Bette Jo (Hutsonville, IL), and Joseph Edward 'Joe' Ramsey (West York, IL); his grandsons, Cody James Ramsey (West York, IL), Bill Plew, Jr. (Terre Haute, IN) and Rob Plew and wife Andrea (Hutsonville, IL); as well as several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Ken Ramsey and wife Gayle (Clearwater, FL); sisters Jaretta Nichols and husband Robert (Bethany, IL), Bernie Schiver and husband David (Martinsville, IL), Neoma Loehr (Casey, IL), Alice Smith Siverly and husband Gene (Mt. Carmel, IL), and Carla Walters (Newton, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Herb Smith (Bartlellville, TN); and a brother-in-law, Ray Loehr. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26th at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 27th at the Plymouth Cemetery with Brother Will Bynum officiating the service. Memorials may be made to the Mount Olive Baptist Church, with envelopes available at the funeral home.