James Ragon

James Rome Ragon was born in Marks, MS to Juanita and Ezelle Ragon and was the oldest of his 5 siblings, Elizabeth Ragon VanZandt (James), Henry Ragon, Ronnie Ragon (Cat), Mack Ragon (Linda). James was called home by His Lord and Savior surrounded by family on January 3, 2025.

James enlisted in the Army National Guard, after which he enlisted in the Navy on his way home from Boot Camp. On the bus, he met the woman who would be the love of his life. They married six days after that bus ride home on April 4, 1962. James and Bonita welcomed two  girls, Beth in 1962 and Janet in 1965. The Ragon family blossomed with Beth having three children, five grandchildren, and a great grandchild and Janet having three children and two grandchildren. James loved his family. He was so proud of all of them and he had many happy memories because of them. James was a man of strong faith. He believed everything happens for a reason and we should never question losing his two brothers, Henry and Rodney and then both parents Ezelle and Juanita within a few short years of each other. Years later, he lost a grandchild and it was his strength and faith that got his daughter through it.  After being discharged from the Navy, James went on to become a police officer, making detective and one of the first narcotic officers in the state of Virginia. He retired from Memphis Police Department, after which he went to work for Cliff Finch as a private investigator and then on to Bailey and Womble, also as a private investigator. 

James coached many sports teams in Tate county. He couched a bunch of little girls and called them The Arkabutla Angels and taught them how to play softball. He coached little boy's soccer, men's softball, and football at TIL.

Left with happy memories is Bonita Ragon, Beth & Garrett Glaser, Janet Piacenti, David & Kendall McDaniel, Stephanie & Hayden Scoggins, Joey & Laura Piacenti, Nicolas Piacenti, Ragon Piacenti, Mason Smith (Kate), Kamryn Scoggins, Rylan Scoggins, Will McDaniel, JT McDaniel, Hailey Piacenti and Mary Michael Smith.

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